In his book, Bruce Elliot writes up Wally Dean's Miser's Dream routine with a wine glass and states that it is best to use a crystal wine glass to minimize breaking the glass when tossing in your coins.

This may be a dumb question, but how do I know if a wine glass is made of crystal? Is there any type of mark under the glass? Also, since I don't like spending too much money on props, might I find a single inexpensive crystal wine glass at the Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or better yet, the Dollar Tree?

For now, I'm practicing with a stainless steel camping goblet, so that I can practice holding the glass, but ultimately, I know the clear wine glass makes for more visual magic.

Thanks everyone!

BRUCE ELLIOT WAS MY MENTOR

Wow Vinny, that explains why you are so good!

Thsnks sadly Bruce passed away in 1977 car accident
he was a terrific magician

If it is crystal (most commonly called LEAD crystal) it will be marked accordingly with a label. But my suggestion is to look for TEMPERED glass. it will 'ring' as well as crystal and probably be more resistant to breaking. (many crystal pieces have very thin walls).

Tempered glass is about 2 1/2 times more resistant to breaking than conventional glass and well know brands include ARCOROC, Luminarc, Duralex, and Bromioli. Thay all make different styles of tempered glassware, so you can go online and do a search based on how large a glass you want to use. YOu may have to buy a set of 4 glasses if they are new, altho' some companies such as replacements inc.com may sell single pieces.
Target stores and other lower priced stores carry these brands as well and you often can find single glasses of Luminarc, Duralex and Arcoroc (since they have been around for many years) at thrift stores such as Salvation Army, etc;

I used to do a variation on Wally Dean's routine and incorporated elements of Vernon's 5 coins and glass method... and I wish you best of luck

JNeal... you're the best. I'm going to look into that.

It is actually rather easy, drop some coins in it


I'm surprise Vinny didn't pick up on this, but Elliot doesn't have just one book, but several books on magic.
I have several of his, and really enjoy them. The book you are probably referring to is "Classic Secrets of Magic". It has many show-worthy effects


John

JOHN I did pick up on it and I have two books and some of his phoenix. however no ever seems to mention Bruce Elliot.I just wanted to tell Norm how much he had meant to me.
he took me under his wing I was 14 years old living in new York city.
vinny

If it's crystal, the glass will "ring" if you rub your finger around the lip of the glass...

https://youtu.be/En5HkSFAmug

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAEXH9DAH98

All of Bruce Elliot's books are great: Professional Magic made Easy, The Best in Magic, Magic as a Hobby and best of all.... Classic Secrets of Magic (also sold as Secrets of the Master Magicians). I thi k I bought all of them for about 3 dollars each as remaindered items in the 1970's. all are well worth reading today...

I too have notice that Elliot is not mentioned often, but I guess often enough that I bought 3 of his books.
I also remember, somewhere on the Café, of how he befriended you, encouraged you.. yes a good story, and how you have passed that on by very generously helping many on the Café; including myself. Thanks.

John

Classic Secrets of Magic, in particular, is ... a classic. Amongst other gems it includes the Dr Sack dice routine, the Benson Bowl and a way to hand print a blank business card.

Barry

I apologize, guys. I assumed Bruce Elliot only had his Classics of Magic. I'm going to have to look into his other books especially if they are just as good. This book I have is amazing. I grew up seeing a lot of magicians perform those classics and am excited to try it out on my own now!

Norm!

>>>I will PM you<<<, re the Elliot books, and the 1 - 300 hardbound issues of the Elliot "Phoenix", (plus the 301-348 Jay Marshall issues, plus the 351-400 Don Tanner issues. A gold mine of material!

When I was doing my "swayve & deboner" act in the late '40s and early '50s, after experimenting with the stemmed wind glass, I used a "nice" tumbler style glass. I was doing the Fred Kapps coins and glass, that Lewis Ganson had included in his "Routined Manipulation", and the tumbler made it easier.

I used half dollars back then.

You know what guys? it turns out that my wife was donating a set of four thick wine glasses. They do look gaudy, but, they seem thick enough to handle the coins. I will try them tonight. the only problem is that the stems are relatively short, but I won't know if that's a problem until I try it. I was assuming that a tall, conventional wine glass stem was needed to hold the coins properly.