Instruction Sheets in Magic & Mentalism

Excerpt from the introduction:

Volume Three of the Thayer Quality Magic Instruction Sheets brings you over 200 more explanations of magic sold by the leading dealer of the Golden Age of Magic, Floyd Thayer. Choice, exclusive magic in eighteen categories, the secret and presentation explained in nearly the exact words as furnished purchasers of what are now real treasures. This, together with the first two volumes, constitutes a veritable encyclopedia of magical knowledge, as you can readily see.

• INTRODUCTION
• Ball Magic
  • No. 115—Patriotic Billiard Balls
  • The Ball and Vase
  • No. 102—Billiard Ball Holder
  • No. 104—Fortune...

• INTRODUCTION
• Ball Magic
  • No. 700. Thayer's "Perfection" Multiplying Billiard Balls
  • No. 701. Special Ball Sets (Cheaper Grade)
  • No. 702. Thayer's "Clingo" Billiard Balls
  • No. 703. Thayer's Super Ball Set
  • No. 520—Unique Rainbow Billiard Ball Trick
  • No. 112—Bingo Billiard Ball Vanish
  • No. 105 The Ball and Handkerchief
  • No. 721. The Diminishing Billiard Ball
  • No. 727. Peerless Billiard Ball Stand
  • No. 487—Reyaht’s Eccentric Tube
  • No. 978. The Floating Ball
• Tricks with Birds, etc.
  • No. 193—The Chafing Dish
  • No. 713—Magical Shot and Enchanted Cage
  • No. 261—The Birds From...

Many years ago by a stroke of good luck, a fortunate combination of circumstances, I acquired a complete file of Thayer instruction sheets designed to accompany the apparatus. This just may be the only complete collection of Thayer secrets in existence. Recently I happened to mention this to Lloyd Jones who urged me to compile these instructions in book form, stressing the tremendous value of such a collection to magicians. This I consented to do but found there was too much material for one book. It was therefore decided to issue these secrets in several volumes, of which this is the first.

Some...

These are the instructions for Max Maven's trick Mixed Emotions. The props (a small booklet and seven cards) are not included. However, once you know the details of the effect and have read the instructions you could make these up yourself. Or perhaps you have only the props and the instructions are missing.

This trick is based on Bob Hummer's "Voodoo Fortune Telling" combined with a novel presentation Max Maven created around the topic of the biblical seven deadly sins.

1st edition ~1980 by Martin Breese; PDF 9 pages.

[Note: These are only the instructions that came with the gimmick. You will not receive any gimmick.]

The Smoking Thumb effect is one of the most magical feats possible. Made famous by Laurel and Hardy, Ade Duval, and the incomparable Fred Kaps it has become one of the most sought-after secrets of the stage performer.

Imagine reaching into the air, forming your hand into a pipe, your thumb protruding upward like a stem, and being able to create clouds of smoke at will, just as if you were smoking your thumb. Pat Page's excellent instructions will help you to do just that.

The effect is always under your control and may be used at any point in the act. No chemicals are involved and it is not technically...

[Note: These are only the instructions that came with the gimmick. You will not receive any gimmick. However, with the instructions you are able to construct your own gimmick if you want to.]

Walt Lees wrote in the Pabular:

"This is one of the funniest and most startling ways of producing a selected card that I have even seen. In effect a card is selected and returned to the pack. The card can be marked if so desired. A small box is shown; it is circular with a hinged lid, rather like a ladies powder compact, but smaller. It is placed on top of the pack and opened. Out pops a jack in the box type of snake with the chosen card stuck to its nose. It is as quick and clean as that: There is no fumbling, palming or anything of that kind. The impact comes because the card is bigger than the box...

NOTE: These are the instruction sheets that come with the trick. This PDF does not explain how to make up a deck.

The Jumbo Pop Eyed Popper Deck is one of the most used "trick decks" of professional magicians and mentalists from all over the world. This "secret weapon" is one of the cleanest ways to force a card without sleight of hand. This deck is drastically improved over older versions.

No more fumbling to separate paired cards. This has been a problem for many magicians. These cards have been especially prepared so you only have to place your thumb on any of the four corners and the...

These are the instructions, including several photos, of the Florentin Hold-Out Martin Breese sold.

1st edition 2010, 8 pages.

These are the instructions Martin Breese supplied with the Flying Ring trick. This routine can also be found in Al Koran’s Professional Presentation book.

1st edition 2009, 3 pages.

• The Unique Classic Reel
• The Unique Classic Locking Reel
• The Unique Classic Double Reel
• The Unique Classic Double Reel in a Wristwatch
• Ken Brooke's Method for the Serpent Silk

1st digital edition 2017, 8 pages photo illustrated.

These are the instructions Martin Breese sent with the key. It includes the story how Martin managed to have the perfect keys manufactured. (No key included.)

1st edition 1983, 3 pages.

This is a compilation of routines for the Bendix Bombshell Wallet contributed by some of the most recognized performers. The printed version of this booklet comes with every Bendix Bombshell Wallet produce by Martin Breese. A good place to get the wallet is directly from the manufacturer on the Martin Breese website.

• Card to Wallet by David Bendix
• A Roy Roth Alternative
• Marlo Variation of Bendix Presentation
• Two Selections and a Wallet by David Solomon
• The Wallet Game by David Solomon
• The Roy Roth Bombshell Routine
• The Enigma Bombshell Routine by Bob Driebeek
• Marlo's Wallet Combination...

You show three candle holders on a table, each with a candle in it. A sheet of clear glass is placed around them and the candles are visibly lighted. The center one is referred to as the sacred light. Anything passed through the flame will not burn hands or other objects. Even flash paper will not be set off by the flame!

The sacred light is removed from the alter and caused to vanish. It immediately reappears back in the holder lighted! Finally, the candle vanishes completely leaving no trace behind.

A trick with visible impact that you will fool yourself with.

These are the exact...

The Flying Carpet Illusion - U.F. Grant's updated floating lady with a kicker.

The carpet and the spectator revolve in mid-air at the same time. The spectators see all sides. A small platform on casters is rolled to any spot on the floor desired. Resting on the platform is a beautifully decorated two-fold screen. It supports a platform with gold fringe representing a carpet. The carpet seat is tufted and padded for comfort, and it shows up well at a distance.

A person weighing up to 110 pounds sits cross-legged on the carpet. Then two chrome-like swords are placed on the bottom platform...

This is a scan of the instructions for Bob Haskell's novel card trick. This trick was featured regularly in old Owen catalogs. If you have a deck of blank-face cards; you can easily make this trick, after reading the instructions.

An effect with the twang of the old west, the Dalton Boys is a clever combination of several magical principles blended together into a mystifying and highly entertaining presentation. The patter in rhyme supplied has an interesting plot, which builds to a logical climax.

EFFECT: Four picture cards (Jacks) representing the infamous Dalton Boys, are each placed...

These are just the instruction sheets that came with the trick for those who may have lost the instructions or curious how the trick is done. These instructions DO NOT TELL YOU HOW TO MAKE UP THE TRICK, just the secret behind the trick.

EFFECT: A board is shown and two paint cans; one can containing Polka-dot Paint and the other Striped Paint. Magician remarks that he often wondered how polka dots were made. He found out they use Polka-dot paint. He dips a brush in the proper can and proceeds to paint the board with polka dots! Turning the board over he says he has also found some striped...

Important: These are not directions for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when sold by magic dealers. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the props, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. This trick sometimes shows up on eBay with no instructions.

Effect: Golf club swings, floats, reverses, and apparently gets away from the performer. Then when broken into three sections, it automatically restores itself to its original shape. It may also be produced from a silk or other cover. Full instructions...

U. F. Grant was one of the world’s most prolific magic inventors, inventing over a 1000 tricks during his lifetime. This bundle contains 8 of his vintage instructions sheets. Some of these instructions are near impossible to find today. The instructions have not been redone; but, rather, these are scans of the original directions that Grant sent with each trick. All scans are readable. An educational look into the mind of U. F. Grant. Some of the tricks can be easily made after reading the instruction sheets.

• MEADOW’S TRIPLE PREDICTION: Mental Epic without the board, just envelopes. Easy...

U. F. Grant was one of the world’s most prolific magic inventors, inventing over a 1000 tricks during his lifetime. This bundle contains 10 of his vintage instructions sheets. Some of these instructions are near impossible to find today. The instructions have not been redone; but, rather, these are scans of the original directions that Grant sent with each trick. All scans are readable. An educational look into the mind of U. F. Grant. Some of the tricks can be easily made after reading the instruction sheets.

• Bill In Lemon: Grant’s improved method
• Chink Cans: A great version of rice...

Important: These are not directions for making this yourself. These are the instructions that came with this trick that sold for $89.00 and included the civil war book: The Road To Gettysburg. These directions are geared ONLY for that book. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the props, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. If you want to make this up using any book then check out this PDF: Double Coincidence.

Mentalist tells the audience that before the show, he gave a lady a dictionary, a red crayon and an envelope. He asked her to secretly...

Important: These are not directions for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick that sold for $150. 00. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the props, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. Well worth the small price just to see how this incredible trick was accomplished. Considered by reviewers to be the best trick Devin Knight ever released.

Two participants secretly choose words from a "real vocabulary book" containing hundreds of words. There are no duplicate words in the book's word list....

Important: These are not directions for making this trick yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick, when it was on the market in the early 2000s. This PDF is for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. This was released in both jumbo and poker size cards. These directions apply to either version.

Effect: Performer shows a folded prediction and gives it to someone to hold. Next, he introduces a deck of jumbo playing cards...

These are just the instruction sheets that came with the trick for those who may have lost the instructions or curious how the trick is done. These instructions DO NOT TELL YOU HOW TO MAKE UP THE TRICK, just the secret behind the trick.

The magician offers to teach the audience a simple card trick. To make it easy to see, he uses a fan of 3 jumbo playing cards. Two of the cards are red sevens while the middle card is a black seven. The backs of the cards are shown and it is seen that the middle card (the black seven) has a sticker on the back. The magician says this makes it easy to keep...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this illusion when it was on the market for $1950.00. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

This was one of the best illusions ever released by Illusion Concepts. It was an improved version of cutting an arm in thirds, based on the original Okito Sawing A Woman Into Thirds....

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $195.00. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

Light-tration was available in both a standard and deluxe form. These instruction sheets include directions for both models.

Magician introduces a trouble light with an 15ft Electrical...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $89.00. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

This is one of the most novel ways ever devised for doing both mental and card effects. In addition, this Gumball Poker machine allows for some of the most baffling poker demonstrations...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $1200.00 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. Although not plans, after reading these directions, you should be able to do this illusion using any tall self-standing mirror sold in furniture stores.

Effect: This is the standard walking through a mirror effect....

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $2695.00 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions.

Effect: Are you tired of floating boards that a girl just happens to be laying on? Too many suspensions and levitations suffer from this weakness. The supports are removed and the board floats along with the girl....

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $395.00. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

One of the most impossible and classiest milk in light bulb effects you will ever see. The base is spiral and see-through so there appears to be no place to hide a gimmick.

The...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $495.00 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

EFFECT: A very unusual time reversal illusion. A six-foot high wooden frame shaped like an hour glass with steel spikes going through the frame is shown to the audience....

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $450.00 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are. Devin Knight, Abbott Magic and Supreme Magic all released versions of this effect. They all work the same way, these instructions apply to any model you may own.

Effect:...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the detailed directions plus supplements that came with this trick when it was on the market for $225.00. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

NOTE: If you have minimal craft skills, then you may be able to gimmick a lamp after reading the instruction sheets.

Effect:

The magician borrows a ring...

Important: This is not detailed information for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $39.95 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

Note: Any magician with minimal craft skills should be able to make this up after reading the instruction sheets. The performer puts a small envelope...

This trick was on the market about 10 years ago. If you have one and no directions, here are the original directions. If you would like to make this up, you can make it from a metal slinky you can buy in most toy stores. Very easy to make, and complete directions on how to gimmick a Slinky are included.

Just when you thought every possible penetration effect had been invented, comes this new novel idea. Magician patters that when he was a small child he couldn't afford to buy magic props, hence he did magic with his toys. He brings out a regular Slinky toy and shows it to be the toy we all...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $1200 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

MirrorTrate was a popular illusion that was created by Devin Knight in 2004. It allowed you to show a mirror mounted in a frame on both sides. The center of the mirror...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the directions that came with this trick when it was on the market for $495.00 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

This solid, realistic guillotine stands almost 6 ft high. This sinister instrument is made from solid wood and built like a fortress. Must be seen to be feared. A...

Important: These are not instructions for making this yourself. These are the detailed directions plus supplements that came with this trick when it was on the market. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the cards, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

Defy and distort the laws of physics! This effect is based upon Devin Knight's Retro-sight, except these word cards are business-card size and designed to fit...

Important: These are not instructions for making this pad yourself. These are the detailed directions plus supplements that came with this trick when it was on the market in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the pads, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. Hundreds of pads were sold at magic lectures for a $1.00 with no directions. If you need the directions, here they are.

Magic dealers still sell replacement pads without directions. If...

Important: These are not plans for making this yourself. These are the detailed directions plus supplements that came with this trick when it was on the market for $395.00 in the early 2000s. This PDF is designed for collectors who may have the prop, but no directions, magic historians, and those simply curious as to how this trick was done. The trick still shows up on eBay, magic flea markets and auctions. If you need the directions, then here they are.

EFFECT: Magician shows a small electric fan roughly 10" x 10". The fan is turned on and shown to be a normal working fan. Magician then...

These are instructions that came with Devin Knight's Hollow Bulb effect. They do not tell you how to make a hollow bulb. This PDF is for those who may have a hollow bulb and not know what to do with it. This information is for collectors, magic historians and magician's curious as to how the effects work.

You can do any of these effects if you have a hollow light bulb. Many magicians have these lying around in drawers and have no idea how to use them. Here are some of the effects you can do with a hollow bulb:

EFFECT 1:

Turn off any ungimmicked lamp and unscrew the bulb. You can even...