After purchasing what appears to be the “Aluminum, Mini Don Alan Chop Cup by RnTII” (based on pictures that are on Mr. Palmer’s excellent site: http://www.cupsandballsmuseum.com/)

It also appears to be the “Original”, “Little Don Chop Cup”.

When I saw this little cup, I thought this would be the perfect cup to start exploring the chop cup realm, and coming from Don Alan, there must be some good stories and history surrounding this cup.

It would be interesting to know if anyone could elaborate on the history and/or the different characters that have/do perform(ed) with it.

Some useful links found:

A very comprehensive listing of information regarding the chop cup.
http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/magchop.htm

A picture of the cup from RnT II.
http://www.rnt2.com/product.aspx?productno=85

"The Complete Don Alan's Chop Cup"
by Ron Bauer
http://www.online-visions.com/reviews/0507donalan.html

Thank you,
MoonBeam

You've already cited the two best online resources: Bill's Palmer's hugely impressive Cups & Balls Museum, and the Magicref pages. This site also contains a wealth of info if you do a search.

There's an excellent new DVD out in the Teach-In series that features several excellent routines using a Chop cup: most notably Larry Jennings and Don Alan. I have posted a review of the DVD here.

There's also Mark Wilson's 'Chop Cup Book', which is somewhat difficult to find (and expensive if you do). I don't have that book, so can't comment any further on it. I can't see it listed on the Magicref page though.

Richard

Thanks Richard...great Teach-In review by the way.

You are so spot on; there is a wealth of information out there. I've already printed off what must be a ream of paper by now. I guess what I am curious about is the thoughts of the workers were when it first came out and if there was a big or little buzz in the magic community at the time?

Isn’t research half of the fun?
…time to dive in and see if it fits!


…thanks again Richard

MoonBeam

I just ordered the Teach in DVD yesterday. Now I guess I should read the review! I have a very nice small copper chop cup that has been waiting for me to use it for a couple of years now. Perhaps its time has come.

If you are looking for a rare or oop book you might try Michael Canick out of New York. I have purchased a few rare signed magic tomes from him in the past.

http://www.canick.com/

Doug