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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 6:27am
Hi all, I am trying to find information on the history and inventor of the master brand padlock and the correct title of this trick. I know it as Key-r-ect or 7 keys lock.
any accurate help would be appreciated.
Ian McColl
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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sethb
Inner circle
The Jersey Shore
2619 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 8:28am
I believe this effect was originally known as "Seven Keys to Baldpate," which is a reference to a mystery novel, not sure of the author (Earl Biggers?). The inventor of the trick itself may have been Ted Annemann.
Key-r-rect was a mechanical version of the same effect, and I believe it was marketed in the 1960's. Hopefully someone else can fill in some of these blanks for us. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC
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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 8:43am
Hi Seth, thank you. I am told the inventor of the Master brand padlock version died in the last few years and can you tell me if it was Ted Annemann who made this version until his death.
Ian
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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sethb
Inner circle
The Jersey Shore
2619 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 10:32am
Ian -- I don't believe Annemann produced Key-r-rect because he died in the 1940's, and Key-r-rect wasn't produced until the 1950's or 60's. I also think Annemann's version of this effect did not require a gaffed lock, but relied on other means.
FYI, there is a new version of this effect being marketed by Viking, called the "Hemingway Lock." It uses a very large padlock, which I assume is gaffed in some way. See http://www.vikingmagiccompany.com/?nd=full&key=91
I don't know why, but this effect always interested me. I don't perform mentalism and have never performed this trick, but was always intrigued by it. As you probably know, you really don't need a fancy gimmicked lock, you can accomplish the same thing by buying a neat-looking lock at your local hardware store along with some extra keys, and then working up the necessary switches either manually with sleight of hand or by using one of several well-known gimmicks. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC
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hugmagic
Inner circle
6548 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 11:57am
The gentleman who made the Key-r-rect was Merrill Magic. I think he was from Louisana.
Keys to Bladplate is the same effect but a totally non mechanical method.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com
email-hugmagic@raex.com
Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's.
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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 1:30pm
Hi Richard, thank you, do you know the name of the inventor and when he passed away?
Ian
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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GeorgeG
Special user
Thousand Oaks, CA
966 Posts
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Posted: Sep 7, 2005 4:51pm
Though Key-R-Rect and Hemingway Lock(a Collectors' Workshop item) are both mechanical, the methods differ. In Key-R-Rect the spectator can open the lock at the end, while Hemingway Lock requires the performer to open the lock.
MAGIC: Doorway to Wonders
Alan Warner Collection
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Julie
Inner circle
2298 Posts
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Posted: Sep 8, 2005 12:02am
...and then there's Ken Allen's (?) Lock of Gibralter that works a tad differently and all the other Monte-type locks and locks through plastic frame variations that work on yet a different principle.
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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 8, 2005 2:44am
Hi, thanks for the slightly off topic information all given with the best intensions but this seeking of information is important to me.
I am hoping to find out before the end of the week.
Can any tell me the maker's name, the inventor of the Key-r-ect padlock trick using a Master brand padlock??
cheers
Ian
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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Julie
Inner circle
2298 Posts
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Posted: Sep 8, 2005 12:26pm
The original instruction sheet is signed by Carl Wolf. The address is:
Merriss Magic*1462 S. Elaine Drive*Baton Rouge, LA 70815.
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Pete Biro
V.I.P.
17750 Posts
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Posted: Sep 8, 2005 4:51pm
I think www.stevensmagic.com still has a few sets left.
STAY TOONED... @ www.petebiro.com
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hugmagic
Inner circle
6548 Posts
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Posted: Sep 8, 2005 10:39pm
Carl Woolfe is the man.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com
email-hugmagic@raex.com
Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's.
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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 9, 2005 8:32pm
Thank you all, just in the nick of time, I aslo got a private email to say it was Karl Wolf from Baton Rounge.
thank you all
Ian
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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Julie
Inner circle
2298 Posts
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Posted: Sep 10, 2005 11:48pm
Quote:
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On 2005-09-09 20:32, Ian McColl wrote:
Thank you all, just in the nick of time, I aslo got a private email to say it was Karl Wolf from Baton Rounge.
thank you all
Ian
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F.Y.I> It's Carl with a "C". 
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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 11, 2005 10:09am
G'day Julie, thanks you for that correction, Carl Wolf (Merriss magic) of Blaine drive, Baton Rouge.
Got it! by any chance do you know where I could locate his wife as I would like to phone her about Carl's invention.
regards
Ian
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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Julie
Inner circle
2298 Posts
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Posted: Sep 11, 2005 11:18am
No, I don't know how to reach his wife. My only contact was a friendly note he sent me when he resumed manufacturing his lock after a long hiatus. I seem to recall George Robinson @ Viking is selling this kind of apparatus now. I don't know if he is the actual manufacturer.
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Ian McColl
Inner circle
Australia
1185 Posts
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Posted: Sep 13, 2005 6:09pm
Hi Julie, thank you very much I will try the old number or write a letter to the old address on the original instructions, which I have just een sent.
thank you again
Ian
"Maker to the Professionals"
Master locksmith
http://members.dcsi.net.au/imccoll
Established 1982
Padlocks, handcuffs and hardware for the escape artist. Customized devices.
Inquiries via email imccoll@sympac.com.au
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hugmagic
Inner circle
6548 Posts
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Posted: Sep 14, 2005 8:56am
Probably is going to be hard to reach her right now as that part of the country is in turmoil after the hurricane Katrina.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com
email-hugmagic@raex.com
Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's.
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MAGICBYTIM
Special user
Louisiana
501 Posts
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Posted: Sep 15, 2005 3:56pm
I knew Carl Wolf. He was from Baton Rouge, LA. He died several years ago. His family gave most of his magic collection to a friend of mine. He is the inventor of the "Key-r-ect". If you would like email me or pm me and I will see if I can get either his wife or one of his children to call you or email you. I would not want to give you their contact information without their permission. My address is tim@magicbytim.com
Tim
Tim Gaines
www.magicbytim.com
tim@magicbytim.com
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Bill Palmer
Eternal Order
Only Jonathan Townsend has more than
23786 Posts
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Posted: Jul 8, 2006 1:28am
The Hemingway lock is completely different in appearance and function from the Key - R - Rect lock.
There is a similar lock being manufactured in the US now, and Stevens Magic has some of them. I'm not sure of the manufacturer. He may have purchased the rights from the estate.
This said, there are a LOT of other methods that really look better. The Master Lock used by Merriss was a cheap -looking warded lock. A pin tumbler lock would be a much better choice.
There have been a number of them that use a gravity system to do the job.
Also, before there was Key - R - Rect, there was an effect called "The Keys of Judah" which used a pin tumbler lock. The method was different from the Merriss version.
There is a great method that uses an ungimmicked lock, which really bears consideration.
Posted: Jul 8, 2006 9:03pm
I just checked on the lock that I got from Joe Stevens. It is far superior to the old Merriss model. It has a pin tumbler lock and everything. If you want one, order the Bogus Belt. Or maybe Pete has some of them left.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC
My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups."
www.cupsandballsmuseum.com
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magicmind
Inner circle
Getting fed up after making
1834 Posts
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Posted: Aug 24, 2006 2:16pm
If I may...I had a friend (magic dealer) that had this trick used in his show for years...about 4 years ago, he tried to find another. In his search he found that the guy that built these had passed. My friend talked to the gentlemans wife to see about rights on making the lock, as my friend (also being an enginer) figured out how to make one. Good luck in your search!
Pay it forward and remember karma will take it from there
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Pete Biro
V.I.P.
17750 Posts
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Posted: Aug 24, 2006 4:45pm
I have no more Bogus Belts, and I was not involved in the LOCK part of it, Joe Stevens took care of that aspect and I never did get a lock from him. I used the Key-R-Ect that I had laying around here for several years... but... in the routine there is a nice handling using an ungaffed lock and keys with some subtle switching, which is easy as the gag prop gives you all kinds of misdirection.
STAY TOONED... @ www.petebiro.com
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hugmagic
Inner circle
6548 Posts
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Posted: Aug 25, 2006 10:53am
I used to put a length of chain down a guy's jacket sleeve and lock the two ends together.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com
email-hugmagic@raex.com
Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's.
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DStachowiak
Inner circle
Baltimore, MD
2158 Posts
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Posted: Jan 14, 2007 3:44pm
Quote:
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On 2006-08-25 10:53, hugmagic wrote:
I used to put a length of chain down a guy's jacket sleeve and lock the two ends together.
Richard
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Richard it might even be funnier to chain 2 guys together.
Annemann named his version after Geo. M Cohan's hit Broadway play originally produced in 1913. It was a comedy-mystery, and has been produced many times since. I have seen several televised versions, including one in 1962 with the late Fred Gwynne.
Woke up.
Fell out of bed.
Dragged a comb across m' head.
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DLF
Regular user
LA via NYC
145 Posts
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Posted: Feb 15, 2008 12:32am
The Hemingway lock is an excellent piece of apparatus.
Ok, I'll meet you at the place near the thing where we went that time.
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Stevethomas
Inner circle
Southern U.S.A.
3563 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2008 2:11pm
The Hemingway Lock and the Key-R-Rect are like polar opposites in operation, however. I love both, and own both. Each has its own features, however. With one, the spectator can open the lock at the conclusion, with the other, the performer has to.
Steve
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Bill Palmer
Eternal Order
Only Jonathan Townsend has more than
23786 Posts
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Posted: Apr 23, 2008 8:24pm
This is completely off the subject, but in 1960, I saw Bob Torson do a routine with a lock that was similar to this, but had a pin tumbler. Bob told me it would only work with certain Corbin locks. He could control who could and could not open the lock. It has recently been reissued under various names. I don't know the originator, but it used a gravity system to make it work.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC
My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups."
www.cupsandballsmuseum.com
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Mandini
New user
3 Posts
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Posted: May 18, 2010 5:47am
Wow! What a lot of tooing and frowing. The story, chronologically, at least to my recollection, is that Ted Annemann originated Seven Keys to Baldpate, indeed, named after the novel by Earl Derr Biggers (the Charlie Chan creator), or, more likely, after the subsequent movies, the first in 1917, stemming from the 1913 Broadway play by George M. Cohan. It's possible that Tom Sellers' Bank Night (or, in Britain, Just Chance), as well as an earlier idea by Joseph J. Kolar, may have inspired Annemann to adapt that effect to a lock and keys. He evidently devised it to help Max Holden sell more Change Bags, specifically the smaller Spirit Bag that was manufactured by Petrie-Lewis at the time for a Sealed Message Readings switch and maybe other mental-type effects, as well. Holden must have bought a bunch in maybe a deal (possibly hoping to cash in all the residual Great Alexander wannabes who Thayer (and Alexander, for that matter) had earlier made a killing on, as did Bob Nelson later), that he evidently wanted to ratchet up sales of. Annemann's effect, which was published in March, 1931, in his one-and-only hardbound opus, The Book Without a Name, most likely helped Holden do that.
Then other versions, some using trick locks and keys were subsequently originated and some of them marketed, the Stewart Judah one, for example.
In the late '50s, I believe, or early '60s, Ken Allen Products marketed Lock of Gibraltar (neat name) by Carl Wolf, using a lock that, although reportedly sturdy, did not look quite like any lock common at that time (or since, for that matter), but with good instructions and, it appears, was used by some mentalists; and, indeed, Don Alan devised a clever routine, which, I think, was marketed separately by Ireland Magic (for 50 cents, would you believe? - roughly $8.00 in today's money, I think) as was his Chop Cup routine, then later was included in the St. Louis magic dealer, Don Lawton's Exclusive Manuscripts booklets (in Volume Four of five booklets, as I recall) and may well have been included in LOTS OF LAWTON, a compendium of the material in those "manuscripts" published by Magic Inc. around 1965. I could say for sure if I could locate my copy which has eluded me.
Sometime afterward, perhaps around the time Ken Allen sold his business to Bob Follmer (in March, 1965, according to one report), the Lock inventor, Carl Wolf, as Merriss Magic, marketed, as its one-and-only product, his Key-R-Rect (what a name - he should have stuck to the original one) using a far better lock since it was an exact replica of one of the ordinary locks prevalent at the time (Yale, I think it was) and I believe the trick mechanism was better too, from what I read (since I never owned or laid eyes on the Gibraltar original). I bought a Key-R-Rect directly from Merriss/Wolf in 1966 when I was a university student. And I know for certain that Merriss was Carl Wolf because he enclosed a separate signed letter to me, clarifying, or adding to, the instructions. At that time, his business or residence? address, was a place in Michigan, not Louisiana. Whether he actually lived there at the time, I don't know, of course. Perhaps there is a Michigan or Louisiana Forum member that might know that and even might have known Carl.
Following that, other locks were marketed - a further Judah lock, for example, marketed by - or through - Jeff Busby, the (David, presumably) Hemingway Lock and Repro 71's very clever Pentalock which overcame one limitation of Key-R-Rect: the other keys could not be tried on the lock after the effect, because, by then, any one of them would open the lock.
I hope that will help clarify the situation and perhaps there may be other Forum members who may have further details to add or to correct me on.
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jay leslie
V.I.P.
southern california
6322 Posts
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Posted: May 18, 2010 1:17pm
What about the Keys Of Judah? Anyone know about it?
http://www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com our 75th year
The one and only www.miraclemagiccompany.com/
And you know what they say - if it works... it's a Miracle!
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Bill Palmer
Eternal Order
Only Jonathan Townsend has more than
23786 Posts
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Posted: May 20, 2010 3:17am
Yes. I mentioned it earlier. It depended on inserting a key into the lock, then moving it out one notch to make it work.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC
My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups."
www.cupsandballsmuseum.com
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