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Spirit Cabinet by Tony Anverdi

Created by: Tony Anverdi

The Spirit Cabinet is a classic stage magic and séance prop that creates the illusion of supernatural phenomena, such as objects moving or sounds emanating from within a sealed cabinet, often used to simulate spirit contact. In modern versions like the Spirit Bell Deluxe Set, it features a bell that appears to ring on its own via a swinging hammer, enhancing theatrical impact. This trick is fully examinable, allowing spectators to handle and assemble it without discovering the secret, and includes accessories like marked card sets for ESP and storytelling to build a complete, immersive act. Buyers should note its roots in 19th-century spiritualism acts, such as those by the Davenport Brothers, and its suitability for performers seeking to create mysterious, narrative-driven experiences.

Key features

  • Fully examinable by spectators without revealing the method

  • Includes a bespoke Spirit Cabinet for display and performance

  • Comes with curated gimmicks and accessories for a complete act

  • Features a swinging hammer that autonomously strikes the bell

  • Integrates oversized marked card sets for ESP and storytelling

  • Emphasizes precision craftsmanship and reliability

Pros

  • Creates a deep sense of mystery and theatrical impact

  • Allows for spectator interaction without exposure

  • High-quality materials and design for durability

  • Supports immersive storytelling and narrative building

Cons

  • May require practice to master the performance and timing

  • Historical associations with fraud could affect credibility if not handled carefully

Effect

The Spirit Cabinet creates the appearance of supernatural contact. A performer places objects like bells or musical instruments inside a cabinet. The performer may be tied up or restrained. The objects then move and make sounds without any visible cause. This gives the audience the impression that spirits are present and active.

Full details

The Spirit Cabinet is a performance prop with a long history. It often involves a special cabinet or case. Objects inside the cabinet can be activated remotely. Some modern versions include a bell that rings by itself using a hidden swinging hammer. The cabinet and its contents are designed to be fully examinable by the audience. Spectators can often handle and assemble parts without discovering the method. The prop allows for a complete theatrical act centered on a séance theme. It includes accessories like marked cards for ESP tests to build the story.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits performers who enjoy theatrical and historical magic. It is ideal for those who present séance or spirit-themed acts. Magicians interested in mentalism will find the ESP elements useful. It is a good choice for performers who want a prop that can be the centerpiece of a longer routine. The Spirit Cabinet works well for stage shows or close-up performances with a narrative focus.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The method is cleverly hidden, making the secret easy to maintain. The prop is designed for reliability and straightforward use. Performers do not need advanced sleight of hand. The challenge lies in the presentation and storytelling. A performer must build a convincing atmosphere and narrative. The included accessories help structure the performance. With practice, the technical execution is not difficult.

What magicians say

CavanBooth1 discusses the historical context, noting the Davenport Brothers used a Spirit Cabinet to claim contact with spirits. He mentions that rivals like John Neville Maskelyne replicated the show to expose the methods. CavanBooth1 states, "A riot in Liverpool exposed their methods when they couldn't escape a 'Fool's knot'."

itsallthingsmagic reviews a modern version, the Spirit Bell Deluxe Set. He says it offers "deeper mystery and greater theatrical impact." He highlights that the bell is "fully examinable and allows spectators to assemble it without discovering the secret." itsallthingsmagic notes the set includes a "bespoke Spirit Cabinet that serves as both a display case and performance prop." He emphasizes the "precision craftsmanship, reliability, and subtle sophistication" of the prop.

What people are saying about Spirit Cabinet

CavanBooth1 says...

The Davenport Brothers gained immense popularity by presenting their illusions as if they were powered by supernatural forces, specifically claiming contact with the spirit world. [...] The creator concludes by questioning whether the extensive public exposure was truly necessary, suggesting such actions would be unthinkable in the modern magic community.

itsallthingsmagic says...

The Spirit Bell Deluxe Set is an evolution of the original, offering deeper mystery and greater theatrical impact. [...] It is fully examinable and allows spectators to assemble it without discovering the secret.

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