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Robin4Kids Veteran user Lower Alabama 396 Posts |
I was going through some old boxes of magic literature the other day and ran across a catalog from Holiday of Magic in Crofton, Maryland. On the cover was also House of 1000 Mysteries, which was the name of Vick Lawston's magic company for many years. I had forgotten about this catalog and don't even remember if I ever bought anything from them, but it definitely was loaded with Vick Lawston's signature artwork throughout. It looks like it was from the late 70's from what I can tell. Does anyone remember this company or know if they bought the rights from the Lawston family?
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Levi Bennett Inner circle 1778 Posts |
I do! I'd love to see that catalog. It got me and my good friend interested in magic back in the late 70s early 80s. That artwork was great!
Performing magic unprofessionally since 2008!
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
I remember Vic Lawson's. I remember getting a "Bill in the Lifesaver" trick AND a "free addition" which was the suggestion that I stick aluminum foil from a gum wrapper (a lot thinner than "real" aluminum foil) onto my eyelids so that I would "sparkle" in the stagelights whenever I blinked. I loved the monkey in the catalog. If I'd had the money (and the lack of good sense) to start my own "brick and morter," I'd wanted to do something similar with a cartoon dragon.
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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Brian Thomas New user Virginia 61 Posts |
I still have my catalog from 1970...I posted some photos for those whom are interested...
https://adirondackdreamer.squarespace.com/#/magic/ |
docguitarman Special user Thousand Oaks, California 888 Posts |
Wow! That brings back the memories! I had a Lawston catalog from early 1960s! I just found one on eBay from 1961. Same cover I now remember. Had to buy it ! I used to drool and fantasize about buying items from that catalog. I think I bought quite a few.
As an aside, I'm hoping I can find an entry for a trick I had back then. It was a card "knock through" -- card disappears from a packet and reappears inside rubber banded pair of cardboards. I see one like it on ebay but with black coasters. (Called "card through coasters") I think the cardboards seem more innocent. Would like to find a version like that. |
docguitarman Special user Thousand Oaks, California 888 Posts |
Got my vintage Lawston catalog in the mail today from the eBay seller. It brings back a lot of happy memories. I remember drooling over those pages! Now looking at them I recall that I didn't buy a lot by way of mail. Instead I took the catalog to my local magic shop in KCMO and asked the owner about some of the tricks in it. He steered me in the right directions, plus it was "instant gratification" as you got the goods at once!
I too was fascinated by the way the vanishing head on the back cover was presented. Never bought the secret though we could guess the main feature. Question: Is there now an online spec for building it? Anyone know? |
docguitarman Special user Thousand Oaks, California 888 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 7, 2017, docguitarman wrote: Was able to find the answer to my own question. Bought a pdf of Grant's "Victory Carton Illusions" (VCI) and it has the vanishing head carton illusion. Back in the day, the house of a 1000 mysteries sold VCI for $2.00. The ad in the catalog did not list the vanishing head as one of the illusions in the book. (it was one of the "et ceteras") The vanishing head was advertised on the back of the catalog for $1.00 !!! Hmmmm. |
Tom G Inner circle 2895 Posts |
I bought the Vanishing Head from Vick. I got the directions and at that very early age knew it probably wouldn't fly. Yet another disappointment from Vick, but the next thing I bought would be the gold mine.
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docguitarman Special user Thousand Oaks, California 888 Posts |
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On Nov 8, 2017, Tom G wrote: I didn't buy much from Vick. I used his catalog to inquire at my local magic shop and they would advise me as to what would fit my skill level. I guess my rereading of the catalog left me a little disappointed in retrospect as Vick didn't let his readers know that the vanishing head was included in Grant's Victory Carton illusions. Oh well. BTW, I found a you tube video of a performance of the vanishing head illusion. And yes, it is obvious that it works just like we figured it did. What was the gold mine? Sounds good ! |
Tom G Inner circle 2895 Posts |
No gold mine, just thinking the next thing I bought from him would be the greatest thing. Have a link for the vanishing head?
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docguitarman Special user Thousand Oaks, California 888 Posts |
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On Nov 9, 2017, Tom G wrote: https://youtu.be/qu7rgKyAaCk edit: Here's a better presentation, I just found https://youtu.be/SY2aCRypHDY |
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