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Christian Illusionist Special user Ohio (currently located in Missouri) 503 Posts |
I am very interested in magical automatons such as those that David Copperfield collects. The most common are those built by Henry Phalibois and include such things as:
A clown who makes his own head disappear and reappear inside a box, A monkey that performs the cups and balls, A Chinese magician who causes a lady to vanish from a cabinet and reappear inside a small box. ( Here's a link to that one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFI1PNsV5mY ) I'm not so much interested in owning original pieces as I am the fact of a toy that performs magic. Are there any books that detail building this specific type of automaton? Thank you
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
These might not be what you want, but they're a start:
Flying Pig Cabaret Mechanical Theater MouseWorks Canada Bow-Shooting Boy Automaton Book AutomaKits Also, look on a well-known auction website under "automaton". They have several interesting things listed now.
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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magicjohn2278 Special user Isle of Man UK 544 Posts |
I built the "Bow Shooting Boy" kit a couple of weeks ago, although it is plastic, it's a facinating insight as to how these things work!
Ordered it from someone in Japan who was selling on e-bay - delivery took four days to the UK! How's that for service!? |
ssucahyo Inner circle 1954 Posts |
Woow..this is cool item...
CC |
Christian Illusionist Special user Ohio (currently located in Missouri) 503 Posts |
Here's an additional question on the same topic.
Are there plans to build one of the picture automaton? Basically it's the type of photo where they eyes move from side to side. Thanks
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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Bairefoot Inner circle 1097 Posts |
John how hard was it to build?
Bairefoot |
montemagic Elite user San Diego, CA 471 Posts |
Jim Steinmeyer sells a book on the subject. I have not read it, I just recalled seeing it on his site:
Title: Antonio Diavolo, A Souvenir of his Performance http://jimsteinmeyer.com/catalog/more/
Aim To Amaze
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Banester Special user 669 Posts |
Monte, the book by Jim is a terrific book, but it is more about his restoration. It has some great photo's (I can't even imagine trying to build one from scratch) and Jim is a great writer among other things. The book is really not on how to build Automata though, still a fun read!
I have seen several books on Automata on e-bay. "Automata The Golden Age, 1848-1914 Charles Bailey 1987" is one in particular I would love to get my hands on, just can't justify the couple hundred dollars for it! I have heard that clock making/repairs is a good start with learning the basics for Automata. And can someone clarify the difference between Automaton and Automata? I have found books, some of them the same title using those two keywords.
The art of a magician is to create wonder.
If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy -Doug Henning- |
M-Illusion Special user 549 Posts |
Harry Colestock built two automatons of Jay Marshall ten years ago or so. I saw them in progress in his workshop while he was building illusions for me. He is also good friends with John Gaughan (another good resource on the subject). Harry has a book out on industrial robotics, which *might* touch slightly on the topic of automatons.
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Banester Special user 669 Posts |
I just found this site Automata
Check under the "books" in the menu, a lot of nice books that would appear to have some information on building automata.
The art of a magician is to create wonder.
If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy -Doug Henning- |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I rembmer seeing a book at collector's several years ago that Bill Self had. It was published by the Reuge music box compay in France. It had a lot of information on automatons. Things like making the eyes and such. so it might have more information on building it. I did not study it too much.
It was funny. Bill Self, who is a legend in Hollywood and on televsion, was asked by the company when he toured the factory if he wanted a job there. Bill was a close friend of Spencer Tracey, taught tennis to Charlie Chaplin, and produced numerous television shows including Batman. He has some great stories. 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. |
Banester Special user 669 Posts |
Richard, when are you going to publish a book on magic history or general stories? I love reading your posts!
Don't you have an old automata Richard? I thought I recalled reading somewhere that you did. If so, have you worked with the internal parts much?
The art of a magician is to create wonder.
If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy -Doug Henning- |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I don't know about a book any time soon. I am working on a book but it cannot be printed until certain parties are longer alive as to prevent other problems.
Glad you enjoy the posts. Magic has been very good to me. I do not have any old automatons. I have made several blooming rose bushes and orange trees. True automatons take the precision of a watch maker. I am not quite at the level. 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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