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GeorgeG
Special user
Thousand Oaks, CA
966 Posts
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Posted: May 30, 2003 2:28pm
As a collector of magic props, I pay attention to craftsmanship(especially if attached to a reputable name), type of material used(love exotic hardwoods), size(hate big props), and rarity(e.g.limited edition items). I guess I just love very nice stuff and willing to pay for it(having a good paying job helps) 
MAGIC: Doorway to Wonders
Alan Warner Collection
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Chance Wolf
Inner circle
Chance Wolf
2247 Posts
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Posted: Jun 4, 2003 4:06am
George,
I have to agree with you with the exception of big props ( I just love having a big ol' Illusion taking up critical space in my living room)
Fine craftsmanship and the weight and feel of a nice hardwood is hard to resist ( almost at any price) With the GLUT of magic props growing larger by the day, it is hard to weed out the good from the bad.
Now it's time for me to save some money and buy a Gerlitz piece 
Take care,
Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started!
http://www.wolfsmagic.com
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GeorgeG
Special user
Thousand Oaks, CA
966 Posts
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Posted: Jun 4, 2003 1:15pm
Chance
I do like big props but wifey has limited the space in the house for my magic collection, so you see...need to keep them small 
MAGIC: Doorway to Wonders
Alan Warner Collection
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Bob Sanders
Grammar Supervisor
Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama
19262 Posts
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Posted: Nov 1, 2003 8:11pm
Space is always a problem for a magician and his/her props. This is even worse when we have collector pieces that we never want used, the good stuff that we currently have to use, and the boxes and bags of "I'm working on this stuff for later". Let's not even mention the "stuff that just followed me home" and I may need it or I can trade it for what I want someday.
Now, add to that problem when both the husband and wife are performing magicians together and separately. Not bad so far? Right! But we both also do animal acts! And Lucy and I both do grand illusion. And did I mention that I didn't even start until over forty years ago?
Do you have a garage we could borrow? We need to store about 5,000 square feet of prize stuff until we need it. We also keep extra backup animals. The horse, three goats, and 100 doves will be easy. But are you good with geese? At least we have cut back on the dogs. We don't have but five now. One is not allowed to spend the night at the vet's because he is an escape artist.
Of course, so much of this stuff is neither used nor for sale because old so-and-so gave me this before he died and signed it for me. Where is that funny looking thing that goes with this?
Enjoy it and leave it to someone else. It's still magic.
Bob and Lucy Sanders
Magic by Sander
Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander / The Amazed Wiz
AmazedWiz@yahoo.com
SilkMagic@DoveLite.com
http://www.magicbysander.com/
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mattg
New user
15 Posts
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Posted: Nov 23, 2003 7:19pm
I like props that fold up really small.
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Rob Johnston
Inner circle
Utah
2060 Posts
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Posted: Jan 30, 2004 6:27pm
I have very few big props. Most of my collection is focused in coinage and books. But I love the smaller stuff. That is just my style.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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huggie50
Regular user
North Las Vegas
109 Posts
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Posted: Feb 17, 2004 10:40pm
I collect books and video's and space is becoming a problem. I have four bookcases totally full and I need more.
Magically yours,
Huggie
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Rennie
Inner circle
Manteca, California
1853 Posts
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Posted: Feb 20, 2004 9:34am
Huggie,
You sound like me. I have 4 bookcases loaded with books and videos as well as 4 trunks filled with props etc., also many boxes full of magic. I love it though.
Rennie
The effect is the important thing, how you achieve it is not.......
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chmara
Inner circle
Tucson, AZ
1699 Posts
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Posted: Apr 8, 2004 2:22am
I both collect and perform -- so I want collectables that can be performed, or have been performed.
What I really do not like -- is to find a great collectable (that I use regularly) and see a poorly made "replica" put out using the purloined idea in cheap dressing.
I also have many collectable items I have traded because even thought beautiful -- the could not work consistantly.
And -- for instance -- I really like Jim Riser's stuff because it works and will continue to be collectable because, with moderate care -- it is for a working performer -- his background.
I really appreciate the things I have acquired from Pete Biro -- not only original performance pieces of high quality -- most of the time Pete sends out the original instructions -- AND his performance notes (with pictures of his manly postures as he presents them -- crosseyed.)
Also -- sometimes who you buy a collectable from has a bearing on whether it really is or not. I have purchased some gongas (for those of you who speak border Spanish) from Hocus-Pocus.com estate sales offered to members. Those sales have become rare -- apparently because tooo much junk is being offered, so I have to jump on the items FAST FAST FAST.
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC
Tucson, AZ
C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments
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Julie
Inner circle
2299 Posts
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Posted: May 20, 2004 3:02am
I imagine you guys who are really into wood are familiar with Alan Warner's teak (his current medium of choice) mini-effects. Much of the line is not really great Magic, but the craftsmanship is uniformly superb.
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angeloturn
New user
58 Posts
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Posted: May 21, 2004 9:50pm
I am hoping you all can help guide me. I have n=made some Morrison Pill Boxes as well as some ball vases. Some of my own designs and others that emulate Thayer. Is there any kind of market for this stuff? I like working with good wood (read expensive) so naturally the props end up rather expensive. Any advice is helpful
Excuse my innorance, what is a gonga?
Leave no wood unturned.....A
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GeorgeG
Special user
Thousand Oaks, CA
966 Posts
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Posted: May 25, 2004 1:17pm
angeloturn
Jim Riser makes some nice ball vases and he is apparantly doing very well:
Riser Woodturning
His latest release is a beauty:
Stones of Tutankhamun
My best advice is set up a simple website with good images of your stuff and gives us the link. Sit back and the let your craftsmanship sell itself.
Julie
Alan Warner does make wonderful stuff and his clever use of magnetic principles is to be commended. Granted some of his effects are "simple" but their entertainment value will surprise you. I have a website on his magic.
MAGIC: Doorway to Wonders
Alan Warner Collection
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angeloturn
New user
58 Posts
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Posted: May 29, 2004 7:38pm
Ok That's good advice. I'll post link as soon as there are some images to see.
Thanks for your advice
A
Jim Riser? Is that really you?
A
Leave no wood unturned.....A
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angeloturn
New user
58 Posts
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Posted: Aug 10, 2004 11:35pm
I can say from the time I started making boxes that the amount of effort and workmanship is incredible. I would never (or could) have guessed the amount or work and TLC that goes into just ONE of these Props.
I have made replicas (exact dulpicates) and reproductions (replicas w/ One revision or another. As time goes on and as I continue to make these props I find out more and more about the other makers. Verrrry interesting stuff. I am hooked now, and will continue my persuit of perfection.
Leave no wood unturned.....A
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weepinwil
Inner circle
USA
1606 Posts
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Posted: Aug 10, 2004 11:46pm
Quote:
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On 2004-02-17 22:40, huggie50 wrote:
I collect books and video's and space is becoming a problem. I have four bookcases totally full and I need more.
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I just converted an entire bedroom into a wall to wall library and have run out of space. I understand your problem.
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
Check out my book written by Richard Grayson.
www.weepinwillie.org
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weepinwil
Inner circle
USA
1606 Posts
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Posted: Aug 10, 2004 11:51pm
When I go to a magic shop, I like to talk magic with a few of the customers or dealers and also perform a couple of my own tricks. However, most of the time the dealers just want me to buy something and leave. Is that the experience you have as well, or is it just in my area?
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
Check out my book written by Richard Grayson.
www.weepinwillie.org
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Clifford the Red
Inner circle
LA, California
1874 Posts
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Posted: Sep 11, 2004 3:44am
Ditto on the books, that is the main thing I collect. Magic props? Well, I tend to not go for blatant props. I do, however, collect or construct unique and/or antique items for either esoteric atmosphere or actual use as props.
"The universe is full of magical things, waiting for our wits to grow sharper." Eden Philpotts
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