— W I L L A L M A
M.I.M.C. (LONDON)THIMBLE MAGIC
By JEAN HUGARD
FOURTH PRINTING Published by LOUIS TANNEN 120 West 42nd StreetTHIMBLE MAGIC
By JEAN HUGARD
CONTENTS
C h a p t e r I. THE THIMBLES Page 3 Technical T e r m s , Illus P a g e 3 T h e Basic Sleight, T h u m b - P a l m No. 1 P a g e 4 F i n g e r P r a c t i c e P a g e 5 E a s y Moves W i t h O n e T h i m b l e — N o . 1, 2, 3, 4 Page G Moves W i t h T w o T h i m b l e s — N o . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, P a g e 6 T h e Multiplying T h i m b l e P a g e 7 C h a p t e r II. ADVANCED SLEIGHTS
T h u m b - P a l m No. 2, 3, 4, 5. V a r i a t i o n Pago 9 H o o k V a n i s h No. 1, 2 P a g e 11 Second F i n g e r - P a l m P a g e 13 F a d e a w a y P a l m .. .Page 13 B a c k - P a l m No. 1, 2, 3 P a g e 13 Finger-Clip No. 1, 2 P a g e 15 A c q u i t m e n t s — N o . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, P a g e 16 Vest A c q u i t m e n t s — N o . 1, 2 P a g e 20 A d v a n c e d F i n g e r P r a c t i c e P a g e 20 F i n g e r P r a c t i c e Effect P a g e 21 C h a p t e r III. T h e Fist T h i m b l e — N o . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 P a g e 22 V a r i o u s Moves for Building R o u t i n e — N o . 1 t o No. 12.. P a g e 23 C h a p t e r IV. F l o u r i s h e s — N o . 1. 2, 3, 4 P a g e 28 C h a p t e r V. T h i m b l e T h r o u g h Silk—No. 1, 2, 3, 4 P a g e 29 C h a p t e r VI. Color C h a n g e s — N o . 1 t o No. 8 P a g e 31 C h a p t e r VII. V a r i o u s R o u t i n e s P a g e 34 C h a p t e r VIII. A la M i s e r ' s D r e a m . Special T h i m b l e s Page 39 C h a p t e r IX. P r o d u c t i o n a n d V a n i s h of F o u r T h i m b l e s S i m u l t a
T h e State L i b r a r y of V i c t o r i a " A L M A C O N J U R I N G C O L L E C T I O N "
THIMBLE MAGIC
T H A U M A T U R G Y
CHAPTER I
T h e r e is little d o u b t t h a t the original trick f r o m which almost i n n u m e r a b l e m a n i p u l a t i o n s with thimbles h a v e s p r u n g , was the invention of D a v i d D e v a n t , t h e brilliant English c o n j u r e r . F r o m one simple move t h e r e h a s been built u p a new b r a n c h of sleight of h a n d , e m b o d y i n g feats of skill t h a t a r e well w o r t h the a t t e n t i o n of all students of the art of magic. T h i s is not only in r e g a r d to the astonishing m a n i p u -lations t h a t a r e possible w i t h the thimbles b u t also to the f a c t t h a t p r a t i c e with t h e m is a g r e a t aid to the d e v e l o p m e n t of t h a t d e x t e r i t y of the fingers which is indispcnsiblc to sleight of h a n d p e r f o r m e r s .
T h e r e are several types of thimbles in c o m m o n use—wood, metal a n d celluloid—and also a spccial kind covered with brilliants, m a d e specially for thimble' m a n i p u l a t i o n s . N o ride can be laid down as to the best kind to use, t h a t m u s t be left to the taste of the invidual. It m a y be said, however, t h a t a t h i m b l e of light weight a n d b r i g h t rod in color, is the best for t h e s t u d e n t to begin his p r a t i c e with. T h e "bril-l i a n t " thimb"bril-les shou"bril-ld not be used in the ear"bril-ly stages. T h e thimb"bril-les should be of such size as to fit the finger tips easily b u t securely. Some p e r f o r m e r s p r e f e r to have t h e m g r a d e d in size f o r each finger, but this is unnecessary a n d a p t to lead to a lack of ease in executing the m a n i p u -lations. It is best to choose a thimble that fits the tip of the forefinger a n d have all the others the same size.
I n order to give a n d precise e x p l a n a t i o n of the various m a n e u v e r s with thimbles, it is necessary to resort to
TECHNICAL TERMS
A t h r o u g h u n d e r s t a n d i n g of the following definitions will enable the r e a d e r to u n d e r s t a n d the process described.
T H U M B - P A L M . T o place a thimble in the crotch of the t h u m b f r o m the tip of a n y one of the first three fingers a n d retain it there.
F I N G E R - P A L M . T o place a thimble in the roots of the last three fingers a n d hold it there by curling these fingers r o u n d it.
S E C O N D F I N G E R - P A L M . T o r e t a i n t h e thimble on tK> tip of the second finger a n d hold the f i n g e r bent in against the palm.
B A C K - P A L M . T o hold a thimble at the back of the first joint of the second finger by pressing t h e top joints of the first a n d third fingers against its riin. the m o u t h of the thimble resting against the linger just below the nail. T h e same t e r m is applied to holding a thimble in a simi-lar position at the back of the third finger.
P A L M . T o hold a thimble in the p a l m of the h a n d , as is done with a coin or a n y o t h e r small object.
F I N G E R - C L I P . T o hold a thimble w i t h one side of its rim d i p p e d between two fingers, either at the f r o n t or the back of the h a n d .
Finger clip illustrations is wrong. T h e r i m of the thimble should be d i p p e d r a t h e r t h a n the thimble itself. See Page 15. Illus. 4.
S T E A L . T o insert the tip of a finger or t h u m b into a p a l m e d thim-ble a n d c a r r y it a w a y sccretly.
H O L D E R . A piece of m e t a l with a p h l a n g c against which the tops of the thimbles rest, a n d with a b r o a d piecc of clastic stretched a r o u n d it to hold the thimbles in place. These can be o b t a i n e d f r o m any magic dealer.
A C Q U I T M E N T . T h e action of a p p a r e n t l y showing both h a n d s e m p t y a f t e r h a v i n g vanished a thimble. C. 1 ( /h \ "~vV y ^ ^ 2
(
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T h u m b P a l m F i n g e r P a l m 2 n d F i n g e r P a l m Back P a l m P:.lm F i n g e r Clip Holder T H E B A S I C S L E I G H T — T H U M B - P A L M No. 1P l a t e a thimble on the right forefinger tip and bend the forefinger into the fork of the t h u m b which d o s e s on the thimble a n d retains it. a n d then rapidly extend the forefinger. I n b e n d i n g the forefinger let the end of the thimble touch the u p p e r side of the t h u m b , then raise the t h u m b and press it against the side of the h a n d , which will a u t o m a t i c a l l y remove the thimble, leaving it in the crotch as the fincgr i> straightened. K e e p the t h u m b straight, do not bend its first joint a n d avoid a n y strained a p p e a r a n d ' at the back of the crotch. Sec the following illustrations:
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I i
FINGER PRACTICE
T h e t h u m b - p a l m m u s t be e x c u t c d w i t h e q u a l facility w i t h t h e first, second a n d t h i r d fingers of e a c h h a n d . A little time devoted to the following exercises will soon e n a b l e t h e s t u d e n t to t h u m b - p a l m a n d recover t h e t h i m b l e w i t h ease a n d r a p i d i t y .
1. T h u m b - p a l m t h e t h i m b l e f r o m tip of f o r e f i n g e r a n d recover it on tip of second finger.
2. T h u m b - p a l m t h e t h i m b l e f r o m tip of second f i n g e r a n d recover it o n tip of t h i r d finger.
3. Bend t h i r d finger i n t o p a l m a n d p a l m thimble, rccovcr it on t i p of f o u r t h finger.
4. G r i p t h i m b l e b e t w e e n t h e tips of second f i n g e r a n d t h u m b , roll it u p w a r d s a n d insert t h e t i p of t h e f o r e f i n g e r , b r i n g i n g t h e t h i m b l e back to its original position.
W h e n the thimble is displayed on the f o r e f i n g e r of c i t h e r h a n d t h e finger m u s t be e x t e n d e d a n d the o t h e r t h r e e b e n t i n t o the p a l m .
TO VANISH A THIMBLE
T o a p p l y this basic sleight to the vanishing of a thimble, show the thimble on t h e tip of the right f o r e f i n g e r a n d m a k e the m o t i o n of placing it in the left h a n d , w h i c h a p p a r e n t l y closes a r o u n d t h e t h i m b l e a n d moves a w a y as if it held t h e thimble.
I n reality as you m o v e your right h a n d over to the left t u r n it bring-ing its b a c k to the f r o n t , t h u m b - p a l m t h e thimble, ( t h e larger m o v e m e n t of the h a n d a n d a r m covering t h e smaller m o v e m e n t of t h e f i n g e r ) a n d bring t h e b a r e finger against t h e p a l m of t h e left h a n d . I n s t a n t l y close t h e left fingers ever the r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r a n d w i t h d r a w t h e left h a n d . K e e p your eyes fixed on t h e left h a n d a n d raise it slowly to a b o u t shoulder height. T h e action should a p p e a r as if t h e left h a n d d r e w the t h i m b l e off t h e right f o r e f i n g e r a n d , to m a k e it completely illusory, t h e left h a n d only should move. T h e right r e m a i n i n g s t a t i o n a r y f o r a few m o m e n t s , t h e forefinger pointing to the left h a n d , a n d t h e n d r o p s n a t u r a l l y — t o y o u r side.
In order to m a s t e r this sleight quickly, practice before a mirror, first really p u t t i n g the thimble in the left h a n d , a n d removing it. t h e n exe-cute the sleight copying the genuine m o v e m e n t exactly.
EASY MOVES WITH ONE THIMBLE
1. A p p a r e n t l y p u t the thimble in your left h a n d , really palming it in the right. Raise t h e left h a n d a n d p a t the top of your head, o p e n i n g the fingers as you do so. P r o d u c e the thimble f r o m your m o u t h on the right forefinger. T o do this, insert t h e tip of the forefinger into the thimble as you raise the right h a n d a n d straighten it o u t just as the h a n d reaches the m o u t h . T h e r a p i d insertion of t h e thimble should be covered by the back of the h a n d . W i t h d r a w the thimble slowly a n d show it.
2. Reverse the moves by p r e t e n d i n g to p u t the thimbles in the m o u t h , really t h u m b - p a l m i n g it rapidly as the h a n d moves u p w a r d s . W i t h d r a w the forefinger a n d show it bare. Push the tongue against the side of the check to m a k e it a p p e a r t h a t the thimble is really in the m o u t h , then p r e t e n d to swallow it. Put both h a n d s at the lower edge of the vest, insert the tip of the right forefinger into the thimble and push it u p u n d e r t h e vest. W i t h d r a w t h e finger slowly, displaying the thimble. 3. P r e t e n d to p u t the thimble in your left h a n d , t h u m b - p a l m i n g it in right. Slap t h e left h a n d against your left e a r a n d recover the thim-ble f r o m your right car. T o d o this insert t h e tip of t h e right forefinger into the thimble as the h a n d moves u p to the ear. S t r a i g h t e n the finger, pushing the thimble into the ear a n d at once grip it by the rim wtih the tips of the forefinger a n d t h u m b . Pull it a w a y with p r e t e n d e d dif-ficulty. m a k i n g a grimace, if you can. as if h a v i n g a tooth e x t r a c t e d .
4. Pass a thimble into the flame of a candle a n d d r a w it o u t on t h e finger tip, using the moves already explained.
In m a k i n g these passes avoid all rapid m o v e m e n t s of the h a n d s and arms. A smooth, easy a n d r a t h e r slow action m u s t be cultivated. A thimble is a very small object a n d unless the onlookers can follow all you are supposed to be doing they will not take m u c h interest in your m a n i p u -lations. A common fault to be avoided is t h a t of w o r k i n g with the h a n d s held close to the body a n d t u r n e d a w a y f r o m the audience with the head bent down. No d o u b t in such a pose some very w o n d e r f u l moves m a y be m a d e , b u t of w h a t use are they if t h e spectators c a n n o t sec t h e m ? S t a n d u p straight keep your h a n d s well o u t f r o m the body a n d m a k e sure t h a t everyone can sec all you w a n t t h e m to see.
MOVES WITH TWO THIMBLE?
A second thimble is required for t h e following moves. A good w a y to c a r r y this d u p l i c a t e thimble so t h a t it m a y be easily secured is to have
it in a small loop of elastic sewn inside t h e coat a n inch f r o m t h e edge on t h e left side. I n s e r t t h e t h i m b l e in t h e loop m o u t h d o w n w a r d s . A f t e r h a v i n g vanished a t h i m b l e f r o m t h e left h a n d t u r n t o w a r d s t h e left a n d c a t c h t h e t h i m b l e on the right forefinger, at the s a m e time d r o p the left h a n d to t h e side a n d b e n d the l e f t f o r e f i n g e r u p i n t o t h e d u p l i c a t e thimble, d r a w it o u t of t h e loop a n d t h u m b - p a l m it. W i t h two thimbles some very p r e t t y moves c a n be m a d e .
1. Really place the thimble i n t o the m o u t h f r o m t h e right fore-finger a n d leave it there. P r o d u c e t h e d u p l i c a t e thimble in t h e left h a n d f r o m t h e back of the h e a d on the left forefinger.
2. P r e t e n d to p u t the t h i m b l e i n t o left h a n d , t h u m b - p a l m i n g it in the right. Slap the left h a n d against the side of t h e left knee a n d p r o d u c e the thimble f r o m t h e right knee or right forefinger.
3. T a p the t h i m b l e on t o p of the h e a d several times, finally t h u m b p a l m i n g it a n d t a p once or twice w i t h t h e b a r e finger. O p e n your m o u t h a n d let t h e o t h e r t h i m b l e d r o p o u t i n t o your left h a n d .
4. T a k e this second t h i m b l e with the t h u m b a n d f o r e f i n g e r of the right h a n d , (holding t h e h a n d w i t h its back to t h e f r o n t to avoid exposure of the t h u m b - p a l m e d t h i m b l e ) a n d p u t it on the left f o r e f i n g e r . H o l d t h ? h a n d s well out, a b o u t nine inches a p a r t , to t h e left of t h e body, back of the h a n d s to t h e f r o n t a n d the fingers p o i n t i n g d o w n w a r d s . M o v e b o t h h a n d s , keeping t h e m the same distance a p a r t , over to t h e right side of the body, at t h e same time t h u m b - p a l m i n g t h e thimble o n t h e left f o r e f i n g e r and p r o d u c i n g the d u p l i c a t e thimble on the right forefinger. T h e e f f e c t is t h a t of a thimble flying f r o m one h a n d to t h e other.
5. R e p e a t this move t w o or t h r e e times. T h e motion of the h a n d s f r o m side to side should completely cover the r a p i d m o v e m e n t s of the forefingers in t h u m b - p a l m i n g t h e thimbles. H o l d the h a n d s still f o r a few m o m e n t s a t the end of each swing a n d follow the supposed flight of t h e t h i m b l e w i t h the eye.
THE MULTIPLYING THIMBLES
T h i s brilliant finish to a series of thimble passes was i n v e n t e d by the late M r . R o t e r b e r g , of Chicago. T h e effect is t h a t a f t e r various f e a t s with a single thimble, the fingers of b o t h h a n d s a r e suddenly e x t e n d e d a n d every finger is c a p p e d w i t h a thimble.
Eight thimbles are r e q u i r e d . T h r e e are held in elastic loops sewn side by side u n d e r t h e edge of t h e c o a t on the left side. O n e is placed in th'> left vest pocket, m o u t h u p w a r d s a n o t h e r between the neck a n d the sh'rt collar on the right side, also m o u t h u p w a r d s , a n o t h e r is p u s h e d in between t w o vest b u t t o n s : one is t h u m b - p a l m e d in the left h a n d , a n d t h e last
thim-is on the top of t h e right forefinger, the vthim-isible thimble thim-is the only one the audience is a w a r e of.
A f t e r having passed the thimble f r o m the right forefinger to the left several times as in -No. "». show it on the left forefinger a n d d r o p the right h a n d to the side. T r a n s i t . r the t h u m b - p a l m e d thimble to the tip of th'-third right linger, f r o m there to the palm, then bend t h e tip of the f o u r t h finger into it a n d keep the finger c losed 011 t h e right palm. These moves a r e
hidden by the back of the h a n d .
T u r n slightly to the left a n d openly t r a n s f e r the visible thimble l r o m t h e left forefinger to the- right forefinger. P r e t e n d to p u t it in the left h a n d , t h u m b - p a l m i n g it in the right. R u b the- left fingers on the palm as if c r u m b l i n g the thimble a w a y and open the lingers one by one, show ing the b a n d e m p t y . T h r u s t the right forefinger into the left vest pocket a n d bring o u t the vested thimble 011 the finger tip. I n the m e a n t i m e you h a v e t r a n s f e r r e d the- t h u m b - p a l m e d thimble to the third finger, so that there are now two thimbles h i d d e n in the right h a n d on the third and f o u r t h fingers. Show the third thimble 011 right index finger.
V a n i s h this one in the same w a y a n d recover it lrom the collar. realK the one previously h i d d e n a n d t r a n s f e r t h e t h u m b - p a l m e d t h i m b l e to the second finger. You now have t h r e e thimbles secretly held in your riglu h a n d on the second, third a n d f o u r t h fingers, which a r e kept bent inio the palm. T h e f o u r t h one is visible on the forefinger.
Again vanish this thimble, the 4th f r o m the left h a n d i.e.. t h u m b -palm it on the right. Show the left h a n d e m p t y a n d point to t h e vest opening with the right forefinger, insert the tip of the left forefinger into the opening between the vest b u t t o n s a n d p r o d u c e the thimble.
T a p the forefingers lightly 011 the thighs a n d at the third t a p the thim-ble flies across to the right forefinger, i. e. t h e left finger t h u m b - p a l m s its thimble a n d the right brings its thimble into view f r o m the t h u m b - p a l m e d position. R e p e a t this move, bringing the visible thimble to the left fore-finger.
U n d e r cover of a tossing m o v e m e n t of the left h a n d vanish this thim-ble by t h u m b - p a l m i n g it, a n d then d r o p the h a n d to a position close to the three thimbles in the clastic loops u n d e r the edge of the coat. T u r n to the left, strecth out the right a r m a n d suddenly e x t e n d the fingers, displaying a thimble on each finger. At the same m o m e n t , bend the last three fingers of the left h a n d i n t o the loops u n d e r the coat a n d sec ure the three thimbles f r o m them.
T u r n to the right a n d raise the left h a n d , forefinger pointing to t h e thimbles 011 the right fingers. A m o m e n t later quickly b e n d the forefinger into the t h u m b - p a l m e d thimble a n d instantly, with an u p w a r d m o v e m e n t
of t h e h a n d , e x t e n d the fingers. A g a i n a thimble is seen to have materiali-zed on e a c h finger tip. H o l d the position for a few m o m e n t s to a c c e n t u a t e the climax a n d bow, taking the a p p l a u s e t h a t is sure to follow i| you have done your p a r t well.
T h e moves m u s t be m a d e smoothly a n d n o t too rapidly, a c o m m o n f a u l t in thimble m a n i p u l a t i o n . Follow the h a n d , in which the thimble is supposed to be p u t , with your eyes a n d act as if you, were convinced t h a t it is there.
C H A P T E R II.
ADVANCED SLEIGHTS
1. T H U M B - P A L M No. II.
S t a n d with your right side to the audience a n d show a thimble on right forefinger.
Place the thimble on the p a l m of the left h a n d so t h a t the lull length of the finger lies on the h a n d , T h e tip of the thimble pointing to the left t h u m b . Fig. 1.
Close the left fingers slowly and, the m o m e n t the right forefinger is h i d d e n by them, r a p i d l y t h u m b - p a i m the thimble in the right h a n d a n d again extend t h e forefinger, raising b o t h h a n d s slightly. Fig. 2.
D r a w the left h a n d a w a y as if it removed the thimble. At the same time insert the tip of right second finger into the p a l m e d thimble a n d raise the t h u m b f r o m the side of the right h a n d . Hold this h a n d s t a t i o n a r y for a m o m e n t , forefinger pointing to the left fist a n d then d r o p it quietly to the side, again t h u m b - p a l m i n g the thimble.
V a n i s h the thimble f r o m the left h a n d by p r e t e n d i n g to c r u m b l e it a w a y to nothing, or by tossing it in the air. T h e m o v e m e n t of the right forefinger to the t h u m b crotch m u s t be m a d e with t h e u t m o s t rapidity. T h e slow closing of the left fingers and the u p w a r d m o v e m e n t of both h a n d s should cover the sleight completely.
THUMB-PALM No. III.
W i t h the right side to the f r o n t , show h a n d s with the palms to the audience; the left fingers pointing d o w n w a r d s , the right fingers u p w a r d s . T h e thimble is on the e x t e n d e d right f o r e f i n g e r against the left palm, keeping the right palm o u t w a r d s . Close the left fingers slowly, one by one, on the right forefinger, beginning with t h e little finger, b u t not gripping
tightly.
T u r n the right wrist, bringing its back to the f r o n t , and bend the f o r e f i n g e r i n w a r d s with the thimble still on it; m o v e the left h a n d a w a y as if removing the thimble, raise it a n d follow it intently with your eyes. Hold the right h a n d stationary, bend the forefinger f u r t h e r in a n d t h u m b -palm the thimble, quickly straighening it a n d point to the closed left h a n d . Figs. 3, 4.
O p e n the left fingers, beginning w i t h the first b u t keep the t h u m b on the little finger f o r a m o m e n t , then e x t e n d b o t h smartly.
T h e whole action should be p e r f o r m e d slowly. Some p e r f o r m e r s , how-ever, p r e f e r to swing the h a n d s u p w a r d a little as the left fingers clos--' on the thimble a n d s n a p the forefinger d o w n into the right h a n d c a r r y i n g the thimble with it, quickly t h u m b - p a l m i n g it a n d again e x t e n d i n g the finger. T h e " s n a p " w i t h d r a w a l of the thimble does not h a v e to be done rapidly, t h e forefinger is simply b e n t into the p a l m , the motion a n d the position of the h a n d s concealing the thimble perfectly.
T H U M B - P A L M No. I V
With the h a n d s in the same positions as in No. I I I . , place the thimble at the roots of the two middle fingers of the left h a n d . Close these two
fin-gers o n t h e t h i m b l e , Figs. 5, 6, b e n d t h e r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r i n w a r d s , c a r r y i n g t h e t h i m b l e a w a y , F i g . 7, a n d a t t h e s a m e t i m e m o v e t h e l e f t h a n d u p w a r d s as if it h e l d t h e t h i m b l e . D r o p t h e r i g h t h a n d slightly, t h u m b - p a l m i n g t h e t h i m b l e . D r o p t h e r i g h t h a n d slightly, t h u m b - p a l m i n g t h e t h i m b l e , a n d b r i n g it u p w i t h t h e f o r e f i n g e r e x t e n d e d , p o i n t i n g t o t h e l e f t fist. T h e a c t i o n is s i m i l a r to t h a t of N o . I I I . , b u t since c o v e r is given by t w o f i n g e r s o n l y of t h e l e f t h a n d , g r e a t e r c a r e m u s t be t a k e n of t h e a n g l e s of vision of t h e a u d i e n c e . T H U M B - P A L M N o . V . W i t h t h e r i g h t side to t h e f r o n t , show t h e t h i m b l e o n t h e r i g h t f o r e -f i n g e r b e h i n d t h e l e -f t h a n d , b o t h h a n d s w i t h t h e i r b a c k s t o t h e -f r o n t , Fig. 8. W i t h d r a w t h e r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r d o w n w a r d s a n d s h o w t h e t h i m b l e b e l o w t h e l e f t h a n d . R e p l a c e t h e right f o r e f i n g e r b e h i n d t h e l e f t h a n d b u t — i n p u s h i n g it u p w a r d s , t r a n s f e r t h i m b l e to t h e s e c o n d f i n g e r b y g r i p p i n g it b e t w e e n t h e t h i r d f i n g e r a n d t h u m b a n d q u i c k l y i n s e r t i n g t h e t i p of t h e second f i n g e r . Fig. 9.
Close t h e l e f t f i n g e r s a n d a p p a r e n t l y d r a w off t h e t h i m b l e , really b e n d t h e s e c o n d f i n g e r d o w n a n d e x t e n d t h e f o r e f i n g e r i n t o t h e l e f t h a n d . M o v e t h e l e f t h a n d a w a y closed a n d p o i n t to it w i t h t h e r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r . T h e a c t i o n s h o u l d b e a slow o n e . T H U M B - P A L M V A R I A T I O N H a v i n g s h o w n t h e t h i m b l e o n t h e f o r e f i n g e r f o r several m o v e s , q u i e t l y t r a n s f e r it to t h e second f i n g e r . T h i s c a n be d o n e q u i c k l y by g r i p p i n g t h e t h i m b l e b e t w e e n t h e t h u m b a n d t h i r d f i n g e r , r e m o v i n g f i r s t f i n g e r a n d in-s e r t i n g t h e in-second. K e e p all t h e f i n g e r in-s e x t e n d e d a n d t h e h a n d o n e d g e t o t h e a u d i e n c e a n d t h e c h a n g e in p o s i t i o n will n o t be n o t i c e a b l e . T u r n l e f t p a l m t o t h e f r o n t a n d a p p a r e n t l y p l a c e t h e t h i m b l e i n t o it. W h a t y o u r e a l l y d o is to close i n w a r d s t h e second, t h i r d a n d f o u r t h f i n g -ers of t h e r i g h t h a n d a n d g r i p t h e b a r e f o r e f i n g e r w i t h t h e l e f t h a n d . D r a w this h a n d slowly a w a y as if t a k i n g off t h e t h i m b l e a n d p o i n t t o it w i t h r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r .
H O O K V A N I S H N o . 1.
W i t h t h e r i g h t side to t h e f r o n t , show t h e t h i m b l e on t h e right f o r e -f i n g e r w i t h t h e o t h e r -f i n g e r s closed. T h e b a c k o-f t h e h a n d is o u t w a r d s . Close t h e l e f t h a n d w i t h i t s ' b a c k t o t h e f r o n t , t h u m b d o w n w a r d s . Fig. 1. P u s h t h e t h i m b l e i n t o t h e l e f t fist, b e n d t h e r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r d o w n o v e r t h e l e f t t h u m b a n d g r i p t h e t h i m b l e b e t w e e n t h e t h u m b a n d second f i n g e r of t h e right h a n d . T h e a c t i o n b e i n g c o v e r e d b y t h e b a c k of t h e h a n d . Fig. 2. S t r a i g h t e n t h e f o r e f i n g e r a n d w i t h d r a w t h e l e f t h a n d closed as if it h e l d t h e t h i m b l e . H o l d t h e r i g h t h a n d s t a t i o n a r y f o r a m o m e n t , p o i n t i n g
to t h e l e f t h a n d , t h e n d r o p it to t h e side, i n s e r t t h e f o r e f i n g e r i n t o t h e t h i m b l e a n d t h u m b - p a l m it. T h e t h i m b l e m a y be s h o w n a t first o n t h e second f i n g e r a n d be p u s h -ed b y t h a t f i n g e r i n t o t h e l e f t fist. I n t h a t case b e n d t h e f i n g e r d o w n a n d r o u n d t h e l e f t t h u m b a n d g r i p t h e t h i m b l e w i t h t h e tips of first a n d t h i r d fingers. Fig. 3. T h e r i g h t h a n d c a n be s h o w n e m p t y b y p u s h i n g t h e l e f t t h u m b i n t o t h e t h i m b l e a n d b e n d i n g t h e l e f t h a n d . T u r n t h e r i g h t h a n d o v e r , b r i n g i n g its p a l m to t h e front, r e t a i n i n g t h e g r i p of t h e l e f t h a n d o n t h e second f i n g e r . Fig. 4.
T u r n t h e r i g h t h a n d b a c k a g a i n , b r i n g i n g its p a l m t o w a r d s the body, a n d t h u m b - p a l m t h e t h i m b l e in t h e r i g h t h a n d f r o m t h e left t h u m b . F i n i s h t h e m o v e m e n t as u s u a l .
H O O K V A N I S H N o . I I
R i g h t side to t h e f r o n t , y o u r left h a n d p a l m o u t w a r d s , a n d t h u m b p o i n t i n g u p . P l a c e right h a n d b e h i n d t h e left, also p a l m to t h e f r o n t , a n d b e n d t h e m i d d l e f i n g e r w i t h t h e t h i m b l e i n t o left p a l m . Fig. 1.
Close t h e left f i n g e r s over t h e t h i m b l e h o l d i n g it by a light p r e s s u r e of t h e m i d d l e f i n g e r o n t h e rim a n d w i t h d r a w t h e right second f i n g e r , s h o w i n g it b a r e .
T u r n t h e l e f t h a n d over o n t h e r i g h t , l e t t i n g t h e t h i m b l e d r o p i n t o t h e b e n t f i n g e r s of t h e r i g h t h a n d , Fig. 2, a n d m o v e t h e closed left h a n d a w a y . P o i n t to t h e left h a n d w i t h t h e r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r a n d t u r n the r i g h t h a n d u p w a r d s s h o w i n g t h e p a l m . T h e n a t u r a l closing of t h e t h r e e f i n g e r s in t h e act of p o i n t i n g conceals t h e t h i m b l e .
A very deceptive v a r i a t i o n of this sleight c a n be m a d e thus. In t u r n i n g the h a n d s over r e t a i n t h e t h i m b l e on t h e second finger a n d keep it b e n t i n w a r d s . M o v e the left h a n d a w a y closed, t h u m b - p a l m t h e t h i m b l e f r o m the right second f i n g e r a n d p o i n t w i t h t h e index finger. P r o p e r a t t e n t i o n to the angles will p r o v e t h a t this is a very easy a n d p r a t i c a l vanish.
S E C O N D F I N G E R - P A L M
T h i s sleight is almost as i m p o r t a n t as t h e t h u m b - p a l m . W i t h t h e t h i m b l e on the second f i n g e r you h a v e simply to b e n d the f i n g e r i n t o t h e p a l m . C o n s t a n t use of t h e sleight c a n b e m a d e . A f t e r t h u m b - p a l m i n g a thimble spread t h e fingers a p a r t carelessly in gesturing, t h e n by closing t h e last t h r e e fingers a n d t r a n s f e r r i n g t h e t h i m b l e f r o m the t h u m b - p a l m
T H E F A D E A W A Y P A L M
W i t h t h e l e f t side to t h e f r o n t , show the p a l m of right h a n d f a c i n g t h e audience, t h e t h i m b l e o n t h e r i g h t m i d d l e finger, the t h u m b b e n t d o w n w a r d s t o w a r d s t h e little f i n g e r
W i t h a n u p w a r d s t h r o w i n g m o t i o n of the h a n d a n d a r m bend t h e second f i n g e r into t h e p a l m a n d leave the t h i m b l e pressed against t h e p a l m by the second p o i n t of t h e t h u m b . S t r a i g h t e n t h e second finger in-stantly. D o n o t t h u m b - p a l m t h e thimble, simply hold it b e t w e e n t h e t h u m b a n d t h e p a l m . K e e p t h e p a l m to t h e f r o n t t h r o u g h o u t . See Fig.
H o l d the position just long e n o u g h f o r the a u d i e n c e to n o t e the dis-a p p e dis-a r dis-a n c e of t h e thimble, t h e n r e dis-a c h u p i n t o the dis-air, t u r n i n g the h dis-a n d over, a n d r e p r o d u c e t h e t h i m b l e on the tip of t h e t h i r d finger.
T H E B A C K - P A L M
1 — F r o m M i d d l e F i n g e r
S t a n d left side t o t h e audience. Show t h e t h i m b l e on t h e m i d d l e finger of right h a n d , p a l m of h a n d o u t w a r d s . Lender cover of a n u p w a r d wave of the h a n d , g r i p the thimble between t h e first joints of the first a n d third fingers. B e n d all t h e fingers i n w a r d , w i t h d r a w the m i d d l e finger a n d bend it in u n d e r t h e t h i m b l e t u r n i n g it over so t h a t its m o u t h rests on t h e b a c k of the finger. I m m e d i a t e l y s t r a i g h t e n all the fingers, keep-ing the p a l m s t o w a r d t h e f r o n t t h r o u g h o u t .
T o r e t u r n t h e t h i m b l e to t h e m i d d l e finger simply reverse the move Bend the m i d d l e finger a n d b r i n g it back u n d e r t h e thimble, t u r n i n g it
slightly in the action. Insert the tip of the finger a n d spread the fingers a p a r t . T h e move should be covered by an u p w a r d wave of the h a n d as if c a t c h i n g the thimble f r o m the air.
W i t h this sleight the continous back a n d f r o n t p a l m can be exe-cuted. showing the back a n d f r o n t of t h e h a n d e m p t y in r a p i d sequence. T h i s is m e n t i o n e d only to w a r n the readers not to use the sleight. T h e b a c k - p a l m is a p o w e r f u l w e a p o n as a sleight, b u t as a flourish it kills all illusion a n d becomes m e r e jugglery. If it is necessary to bring the thimble f r o m the b a c k - p a l m position to the f r o n t of t h e h a n d , do it u n d e r the cover of a t u r n to the left. G e t the tip of the middle finger into the thim-ble, at once b e n d i n g it w i t h the third a n d f o u r t h fingers into the p a l m a n d point to the left h a n d with the forefinger.
T h e back-palm can also be done with the thimble on the tip of the third finger. T h e m o v e m e n t s a r c exactly similar to those described above. As will be seen later some very p r e t t y m a n i p u l a t i o n s d e p e n d u p o n this sleight.
2 — F r o m the T h u m b T i p
W i t h t h e right side to the f r o n t , show the thimble on the tip of the right t h u m b . U n d e r c o v e r of a n u p w a r d t h r o w , b e n d the t h u m b d o w n a n d t h e fingers i n w a r d , curling t h e middle finger f u r t h e r in t h a n the first a n d t h i r d . G r i p t h e thimble by its rim between the first a n d third fingers, remove the t h u m b a n d straighten o u t all t h e fingers, the m i d d l e finger coming u p in f r o n t of the thimble as in No. 1.
T o r e t u r n the thimble to the t h u m b tip,bend the middle finger u n d e r it, b u t not t u r n i n g it over, a n d place t h e tip of the finger on it. Insert the t h u m b i n t o t h e thimble, press it on f i r m l y w i t h t h e second finger a n d raise the t h u m b quickly. T h e moves can be m a d e very rapidly b u t m u s t be covered by a wave of t h e h a n d . It should be noted t h a t w h e n the thimble is r e t u r n e d to t h e t h u m b tip, the h a n d m a y be instantly t u r n e d to show its back, the thimble being h i d d e n by b e n d i n g the t h u m b in behind the p a l m .
3 — From the Fork of the Thumb
W i t h the thimble in the crotch of the t h u m b first insert the tip of t h e middle finger i n t o t h e thimble, then e x t e n d t h e fingers a n d cxccutc the moves described in No. 1. See Figs. 1, 2, 3.
T H E F I N G E R - C L I P 1 — At the Front of the Hand
F a c e the a u d i e n c e with t h e thimble on your forefinger. Bend the f o r e f i n g e r bringing the thimble against the second joint of the middle finger a n d p u t the t h u m b on it. S t r a i g h t e n the forefinger a n d with the t h u m b roll the thimble d o w n to the third joints of the second a n d third fingers. Clip it firmly by its rim between the fingers. Fig. 4.
T o r e p r o d u c e the thimble on the forefinger, bend the t h u m b on the side of the thimble a n d roll it along the m i d d l e finger u p to t h e second joint, insert the tip of the f o r e f i n g e r a n d s t r a i g h t e n it out. I n the same way the thimble can be clipped a n d recovered f r o m between the lowest joints of the first a n d second fingers.
Note p a r t i c u l a r l y t h a t this sleight can be done just as easily with a n o t h e r thimble p a l m e d at the same time.
2 — At the Back of the Hand
W i t h the body t u r n e d slightly to the right hold b o t h h a n d s with their backs to the f r o n t . H a v e your thimble on the right t h u m b , h i d d e n by the left h a n d . Fig. 1.
Raise the left h a n d directly in f r o n t of right a n d p u s h the thimble between the second a n d third fingers. Fig 1A. Press d o w n on top of the thimble with the second finger, w i t h d r a w i n g the t h u m b , a n d slip the thimble between the fingers at the back on the second knuckle of the third finger, t u r n i n g the h a n d in the action. D r o p the left h a n d slightly a n d show its p a l m also. Fig. 2.
Fig. 1A. T h i s s h o u l d b e r i g h t h a n d i n s t e a d of left.
T o recover t h e thimble, t u r n t h e left h a n d b a c k to f r o n t a n d raise it to cover the right h a n d . I n the act of t u r n i n g t h e right h a n d , bend t h e second a n d t h i r d fingers i n w a r d , p u t t h e index finger on t h e thimble, t h e n d r o p t h e t h u m b on it a n d insert t h e tip of t h e forefinger. Y o u m a y t h e n p r o d u c e it by straightening t h e f o r e f i n g e r or t h u m b - p a l m it a n d show t h e backs of b o t h h a n d s .
T h e sleight is a difficult one, b u t once t h e k n a c k is a c q u i r e d the move is very deceptive.
A C Q U I T M E N T S
1 — From Thumb-Palm to T h u m b - P a l m Using Second Finger
W i t h a thimble t h u m b - p a l m e d in the right h a n d , f o r e f i n g e r e x t e n d e d , p o i n t to the left h a n d . H o l d the left p a l m to the f r o n t , w i t h the right fore-f i n g e r almost touching the lefore-ft palm, right side ofore-f body to fore-f r o n t .
W i t h one continuous m o v e m e n t swing the h a n d s to the right, bring-ing t h e left h a n d b e h i n d the right a n d , as they cross in f r o n t , insert the l e f t second finger i n t o t h e thimble, i n s t a n t l y t h u m b - p a l m i n g it in the left h a n d . Fig. 3. A t t h e end of the swing hold t h e right h a n d w i t h its p a l m to t h e f r o n t a n d p o i n t to it with the left forefinger, t h e o t h e r three fingers closed o n its p a l m .
By a g a i n swinging the* h a n d s to t h e left a n d picking u p the thimble w i t h t h e right second finger, b r i n g it b a c k t o its original position, t h u m b -p a l m e d in t h e r i g h t h a n d . T h e m o v e m u s t b e m a d e smoothly w i t h o u t any hesitation as t h e thimble is t r a n s f e r r e d f r o m one h a n d to t h e other.
F i g u r e 3 P e r f o r m e r ' s
V i e w
2 — From Thumb-Palm in Right H a n d
W i t h right side to f r o n t a n d thimble t h u m b p a l m e d in right h a n d , show t h e left h a n d e m p t y a n d point to its p a l m . Fig. 1.
T u r n t h e left h a n d to show its back, insert right forefinger into the thimble a n d e x t e n d right fingers behind t h e left h a n d , keeping the b a c k of the h a n d to the f r o n t . Fig. 2.
T u r n right h a n d , p a l m to the f r o n t , keeping t h e thimble b e h i n d the left h a n d . Fig. 3. T h e n t u r n back of right h a n d to f r o n t , b e n d i n g the fingers into the p a l m a n d t h u m b - p a l m t h e thimble. T u r n the left h a n d p a l m o u t w a r d s a n d again point to it w i t h t h e right index finger. Fig. 1.
3 — From Thumb-Palm to Back of Wrist
Body, h a n d s a n d thimble in same positions as Fig. 1.
K e e p i n g the right f o r e f i n g e r on the left p a l m , insert right m i d d l e finger i n t o the thimble. T u r n right h a n d over, bringing its p a l m to a u -dience, a n d e x t e n d the second, t h i r d a n d f o u r t h fingers behind the left wrist. Fig. 4.
I n t u r n i n g the right h a n d back to its original position t h u m b - p a l m t h e thimble. T u r n the left h a n d over a n d point to its back. I n Fig. 4 t h i m -ble is on m i d d l e finger a t back of h a n d , n o t as shown.
4 — From Right Little Finger
S t a n d w i t h right side to audience, a n d with t h i m b l e on f o r e f i n g e r of r i g h t h a n d . Y o u r left h a n d is closed w i t h t h u m b d o w n w a r d s a n d with back of h a n d t o f r o n t .
P u s h the thimble u p i n t o left h a n d a n d e x t e n d the right little finger behind it, t h e o t h e r two fingers of right h a n d r e m a i n i n g in f r o n t .
W i t h t h e tips of the left fingers remove the thimble f r o m t h e right f o r e f i n g e r a n d roll it t o w a r d s t h e wrist, until the tip of the right little f i n g e r can be inserted i n t o it. T u r n t h e right h a n d over u p w a r d s showing the p a l m a n d keeping t h e tip of t h e little finger b e h i n d the second a n d third. Fig. 5.
D r a w the left h a n d a w a y as if t a k i n g the thimble, at the same time t u r n the right h a n d b r i n g i n g its back to the f r o n t , a n d close the second, third a n d f o u r t h fingers on t h e p a l m . Point to the left h a n d w i t h the right forefinger which has been e x t e n d e d t h r o u g h o u t .
5 — From the T h u m b
F a c i n g t h e audience, p u t a thimble on t h e left p a l m at the roots of the second a n d third fingers, its m o u t h t o w a r d s the t h u m b , left fingers point-ing to the f r o n t . Raise the left h a n d a n d slowly close the fpoint-ingers over the thimble. As soon as it is hidden insert the left t h u m b a n d bring it outside the finger tips which you t h e n press tightly into the p a l m . Bend the left h a n d i n w a r d t o w a r d s the shoulder a n d keep the f o r e a r m straight up, elbow pressed to side.
R u b the back of the left wrist w i t h the right forefingers a n d t h e n bring the h a n d u p over the left wrist a n d d o w n on t h e inside of the wrist. As the right h a n d passes e x t e n d the left t h u m b a n d push the thimble into the fork of the right t h u m b , r e t a i n i n g it there. D r o p the left f o r e a r m a n d r u b the wrist with the right finger tips.
O p e n the left h a n d a n d show it e m p t y , t u r n to the right a n d as the h a n d s cross, insert left second finger into thimble a n d bend it into the left h a n d , e x t e n d forefinger a n d point to the right p a l m .
6 — T h u m b - P a l m T o T h u m b - P a l m Using Left T h u m b
W i t h thimble t h u m b - p a l m e d in right h a n d , right side of body to the f r o n t , show the left h a n d , p a l m o u t w a r d s . Stroke the left h a n d f r o m the wrist to the finger tips w i t h t h e right h a n d , back of the h a n d to the f r o n t . T u r n the left h a n d over a n d stroke its b a c k in t h e same w a y and, as the h a n d passes, extend the left t h u m b , pick u p the thimble a n d bend it u p behind the left palm. Figs. 6, 7.
T u r n the right h a n d p a l m to t h e audience and, w i t h its back, stroke a back of the left h a n d . Again t u r n t h e right h a n d , bringing its p a l m on the back of the left wrist, a n d stroke the back of the left h a n d , this time e x t e n d i n g the left t h u m b a n d placing t h e thimble in the fork of t h e right t h u m b . T h e n t u r n the left h a n d a n d p o i n t to its e m p t y p a l m w i t h the right for' ringer.
Fig. 6. T h i m b l e is s h o w n in w r o n g position; should b e in right t h u m b c r o t c h being pick-ed o u t b y left t h u m b zip.
Fig 7. R e a r view. Back of t h;s
T h e stroking must be d o n e r a t h e r slowly since there m u s t be no hesi-tation w h e n the thimble is picked u p and replaced.
7 — From Little Finger to Finger-Palm
W i t h right side to the f r o n t , a n d thimble on the right little finger, bend it into y o u r p a l m together with the second a n d third finger, a n d point to the e m p t y left h a n d with right forefinger. Fig. 1.
U n d e r cover of a swing to the right, e x t e n d t h e right little finger, close the left second, third a n d f o u r t h fingers on it, d r a w i n g off the t h i m -ble into left f i n g e r - p a l m . A t the end of the swing point the left forefinger at the e m p t y right h n n d . o t h e r fingers b e n t in.
T u r n left h a n d p a l m to t h e f r o n t , tip of the forefinger resting on right p a l m and the curled in fingers hiding the thimble. U n d e r cover of a swing t o w a r d s the left, t u r n t h e left h a n d over a n d bend the second finger of t h e right h a n d into the curled fingers of the left, inserting its tip into the thimble a n d c a r r y i n g it b a c k against right p a l m . K e e p the right fore-finger extended a n d at the e n d of the swing p o i n t to the e m p t y left h a n d . Fig. 2 shows correct position for finish of this sleight, b u t artist has the h a n d s transposed.
8 — For T w o T h i m b l e s A t O n c e
S t a n d with right side to the f r o n t . O n e thimble is thumb-palmecl in h a n d right and a n o t h e r is on the tip of the third finger which is bent in on the palm. T h e right f o r e f i n g e r points to the left h a n d , which is held p a l m to the f r o n t a n d fingers pointing u p w a r d s . Fig. 1.
M a k e a catch in the air w i t h the left h a n d , a n d at the same time in-sert the tip of the right second finger into the t h u m b - p a l m e d thimble. R u b the back of the left fist w i t h t h e right forefinger. Q u i c k l y open the left h a n d , fingers pointing u p w a r d s a n d p a l m to the f r o n t . A m o m e n t l a t e r open the right h a n d behind t h e left, keeping the tips of the right fingers
hack of the left h a n d , w h i c h conceals the thimbles. S p r e a d all the fingers wide a p a r t .
Both h a n d s a r e t h u s shown e m p t y . D r o p the h a n d s slightly in t u r n -ing t h e m over, quickly close the second, t h i r d a n d f o u r t h f-ingers of the right h a n d into the p a l m , a n d point t h e f o r e f i n g e r at the b a i k of the left h a n d .
T h i s sleight can be done w i t h three thimbles, b u t in t h a t case the thimble of the forefinger is t h u m b - p a l m e d as t h e h a n d t u r n s over, the forefinger being rapidly e x t e n d e d to p o i n t to t h e left h a n d .
V E S T A C Q U I T M E N T 1 — Vest Vanish From Little Finger
By this subtle sleight both h a n d s are left e m p t y . F a c e the audience a n d show a thimble on the right forefinger. Close t h e left h a n d a n d hold it. w i t h the knuckles u p w a r d s , a few inches f r o m t h e body.
Push the thimble into t h e left fist a n d w i t h d r a w the right forefinger slowly, showing it bare. T h r u s t it into t h e fist again, p u s h i n g the thimble well in a n d t h e n curl the left little f i n g e r r o u n d it. S t r a i g h t e n out the right little f i n g e r b e h i n d the left fist a n d w i t h it pick u p the thimble, b e n d i n g it back to t h e p a l m of t h e right h a n d instantly. T h e fingers of t h e left h a n d m u s t b e o p e n e d slightly to allow t h e little finger to pass. In the action b r i n g t h e h a n d s back, close to t h e vest.
Again extend the right little f i n g e r a n d t h r u s t t h e thimble into one of the openings of the vest between t h e buttons. T h e move should be carefully covered by the back of t h e left h a n d . Bend t h e little finger back again a n d move the h a n d s a w a y f r o m t h e body. W i t h d r a w the right fore-finger f r o m the left h a n d and show right h a n d is e m p t y .
G o t h r o u g h the motions of squeezing t h e thimble to n o t h i n g a n d show the left h a n d also q u i t e e m p t y .
2 — Vest Vanish Using the T h u m b
Proceed as in No. 1 u p to the insertion of t h e thimble into t h e left fist. As you do this keep the fingers of t h e right h a n d e x t e n d e d a n d pick u p the thimble on t h e right t h u m b . P u s h t h e t h i m b l e into the vest opening, leave it t h e r e a n d b e n d t h e t h u m b back to right h a n d . C o m p l e t e the va-nish as described in No. 1.
T h i s m e t h o d can be used t o vanish several thimbles one a f t e r the other, the thimbles nesting as t h e y a r e p u s h e d i n t o t h e vest.
A D V A N C E D F I N G E R P R A T I C E
1. T h u m b - p a l m the thimble.
2. Pick it u p w i t h second finger a n d b a c k - p a l m it. 3. Reverse to second finger tip a n d t h u m b - p a l m it. 4. Pick u p on third finger a n d b a c k - p a l m behind it.
5. R e v e r s e to t h i r d f i n g e r tip a n d p a l m it. 6. Pick u p w i t h little f i n g e r a n d e x t e n d l i n g e r r a p i d l y . 7. P a l m t h i m b l e f r o m little f i n g e r . 8." Pick u p f r o m p a l m w i t h t h i r d f i n g e r a n d b a c k - p a l m t h i m b l e . 5'. R e v e r s e a n d t h u m b - p a l m from t h i r d f i n g e r tip, 10. Pick u p w i t h second f i n g e r a n d h a c k - p a l m . 11,. R e v e r s e a n d t h u m b - p a l m f r o m second f i n g e r . 12. Pick u p w i t h first f i n g e r a n d r e p e a t the r o u t i n e .
I n m o v e No. 7, t h e t h i m b l e m u s t be loosely o n t h e little f i n g e r tip. o t h e r w i s e some d i f f i c u l t y will be e x p e r i e n c e d in p a l m i n g it.
T h e m o v e s m u s t be d o n e w i t h e q u a l facility by c i t h e r h a n d . T h e r e is n o b e t t e r exercise f o r s t r e n g t h e n i n g a n d i n c r e a s i n g the niinbleness of t h e fingers.
A F I N G E R P R A C T I C E E F F E C T
A novel w a y to i n t r o d u c e t h i m b l e m a n i p u l a t i o n s is to p r e t e n d lo e x p l a i n , in r e p l y to a n a s s u m e d q u e s t i o n , h o w m a g i c i a n s k e e p t h e i r f i n g e r s n i m b l e . S h o w a red t h i m b l e a n d a w h i t e o n e a n d p u t the red on y o u r r i g h t f o r e f i n g e r a n d the w h i t e o n the second f i n g e r . At the s a m e t i m e secretly t r a n s f e r a second red t h i m b l e to the p a l m of the s a m e h a n d f r o m
the hit little l i n g e r tip. W o r k t h e f o l l o w i n g m o v e s :
1. U n d e r c o v e r of a w a v e of t h e h a n d , t h u m b - p a l m the red t h i m b l e f r o m the f o r e f i n g e r a n d pick u p t h e p a l m e d red t h i m b l e on t h e t o p of t h e little f i n g e r . T h e red t h i m b l e h a s a p p a r e n t l y j u m p e d f r o m i n d e x to little f i n g e r .
2. W a v e the h a n d a g a i n , pick u p the red t h u m b - p a l m e d t h i m b l e w i t h the f o r e f i n g e r , p a l m t h e d u p l i c a t e red t h i m b l e f r o m little f i n g e r , e x t e n d i n g the f i n g e r s r a p i d l y . T h e t h i m b l e s a r c back in t h e i r o r g i n a l po-sitions.
?i. R e p e a t N o . 1 m o v e .
4. W i t h y o u r l e f t h a n d t a k e off the red t h i m b l e f r o m little f i n g e r a n d p u t it on t h e f o r e f i n g e r , a t t h e s a m e t i m e insert l e f t little f i n g e r i n t o t h e t h u m b - p a l m e d t h i m b l e a n d steal it. D r o p this d u p l i c a t e red t h i m b l e i n t o a p o c k e t a t t h e first o p p o r t u n i t y .
5. C a l l a t t e n t i o n t o t h e r e d a n d w h i t e t h i m b l e s o n first a n d second fingers. T h u m b - p a l m t h e r e d , g r i p t h e w h i t e o n e b e t w e e n t h u m b a n d t h i r d f i n g e r tips a n d i n s e r t f o r e f i n g e r , pick u p t h e red o n e w i t h second f i n g e r a n d e x t e n d t h e fingers. T h e t h i m b l e s h a v e c h a n g e d places.
T h i s m o v e m a y be r e p e a t e d several times, t h e h a n d s b e i n g f r e e l y s h o w n to p r o v e t h a t t w o o n l y a r c in use, b u t d o n o t say a n y t h i n g a b o u t t h a t . F r o m this you m a y pass to a r e g u l a r t h i m b l e r o u t i n e .
C H A P T E R I I I .
PRODUCTION OF THE FIRST THIMBLE
VARIOUS METHODS
1. P u t a thimble m o u t h u p w a r d s in the right h a n d lower vest poc-ket at the top of the outer corner. Casually a d j u s t the vest with both hands, t h u m b s going to the vest pockets, n i p o u t the thimble with the tip of the right forefingers, t h u m b - p a l m i n g it instantly. A m o m e n t later reach out a n d p r o d u c e on the forefinger, a p p a r e n t l y f r o m the air.
2. M a k e a c a t c h with t h e left h a n d , open it, e m p t y . R e p e a t the catch w i t h the right h a n d , at the same m o m e n t taking a thimble Irom a clip at the b o t t o m edge of the coat w i t h the left h a n d . O p e n the right h a n d a n d show it also e m p t y .
Close the left h a n d on the thimble a n d raise it shoulder high. Push the right forefinger into the left fist a n d bring it out slowly with the thimble on its tip.
3. Conccal a thimble in the vest o p e n i n g between the third a n d f o u r t h buttons, its m o u t h t o w a r d s t h e right. Show both h a n d s e m p t y . close the left, holding it close to the b o d y n e a r the h i d d e n thimble.
Show right h a n d e m p t y again, close t h e sccond. third a n d f o u r t h fingers on the p a l m a n d push t h e f o r e f i n g e r i n t o t h e left fist, p a l m of the h a n d being u p w a r d . E x t e n d t h e right little f i n g e r u n d e r cover of the left fist, insert it in t h e vested thimble, w i t h d r a w it a n d d o u b l e the linger back into palm.
M o v e b o t h h a n d s f o r w a r d , w i t h d r a w the right finger and open the left h a n d , n o t h i n g there. Close the left h a n d again, this time well a w a v f r o m the body, knuckles u p w a r d s . Push the right forefinger well into the fist, extend the right little finger a n d nip off the thimble with the tips of the left third a n d f o u r t h fingers. W i t h d r a w the right forefinger, show-ing it still bare, a n d once m o r e push it i n t o t h e left fist. Insert the fshow-inger tip into the thimble a n d slowly w i t h d r a w it. showing the thimble and opening the left h a n d . T h e whole action m u s t be d o n e smoothly a n d not rapidly.
4. A small piece of tinfoil is b u r n e d a n d t r a n s f o r m e d into a thimble. You require a small square of tinfoil, a m e t a l ash t r a y a n d a m a t c h box with a hole cut in one end of t h e d r a w e r in which a thimble has been p u t . m o u t h u p w a r d s .
Show the tinfoil a n d mould it on the tip of your right second finger, r a t h e r loosely, into the rough s h a p e of a thimble. Pick u p the m a t c h box with your left h a n d , push the d r a w e r f o r w a r d inserting tip of second finger into the thimble a n d w i t h d r a w it, closing finger against palm. T a k e
o u t a m a t c h , t r a n s f e r the tinfoil m o u l d to the second linger ol your lc-lt h a n d , letting it go over the thimble just o b t a i n e d . M o u l d it against the thimble a n d set b o t h d o w n on the ash tray. L i g h t the m a t c h a n d set lire to the tinfoil. T h i s b u r n s a w a y leaving thimble.
5. A " f l a s h " p r o d u c t i o n . Show a small piece of flash p a p e r a n d m o u l d it loosely on t h e t o p of the left forefinger in r o u g h thimble shape. L i f t it off with the right h a n d a n d hold it u p with its m o u t h to the i r o n t . showing it e m p t y . R e p l a c e it on the left forefinger, which at the same m o m e n t picks u p a thimble f r o m t h u m b - p a l m , so t h a t the flash p a p e r c a p goes over the thimble. A trial will show t h a t this can easily be d o n e w i t h o u t t h e thimble being seen by the onlookers.
Flash off the c a p with a lighted m a t c h , or the t h e tip of a lighted cigarette. D o not use celluloid thimble for this effect.
1 — T h r o u g h T h e H a n d
W i t h t h e right side to the f r o n t , hold left h a n d vertically, thimble on t h e right forefinger against the left p a l m , the o t h e r t h r e e fingers of the right h a n d e x t e n d e d b e h i n d the left. Fig 1.
T u r n to the f r o n t , t h u m b - p a l m the thimble u n d e r cover of t h e left fingers a n d quickly g r a s p the right f o r e f i n g e r with t h e m . Fig. 2.
R e t a i n hold of t h e f o r e f i n g e r a n d t u r n to the left bringing the back of the right h a n d t o w a r d s the audience. Pick u p t h e t h i m b l e w i t h the right second finger a n d e x t e n d it behind t h e left h a n d as you t u r n the right h a n d to b r i n g its p a l m to t h e f r o n t . Fig. 3.
O p e n left h a n d , showing f o r e f i n g e r b a r e a n d t u r n t h e left h a n d revealing t h e thimble on the tip of t h e second finger resting against the back of t h e h a n d . Fig. 4.
V A R I O U S M O V E S F O R R O U T I N E
2 — Swallowed and Pulled From Throat
the thimble to the lips a n d lower it. Raise it again a n d f i n g e r - p a l m th.-thimble a m o m e n t before p u t t i n g the t h u m b into the m o u t h .
R e m o v e t h e t h u m b slowly, showing it bare, p r e t e n d to ( h e w the thimble a n d t h e n swallow it. G r i m a c e as if h a v i n g d i f f i c u l t y in g e t t i n g it down. Raise the right h a n d quickly, p u s h i n g the t h u m b tip into the thim-ble, e x t e n d it a n d press the top of the thimble against the left side of the t h r o a t pulling the loose skin over it with the tips of the first a n d second fingers.
Pull the thimble slowly i n t o view so t h a t it a p p e a r s to come t h r o u g h the skin.
3 — T w o Quick Moves
W i t h the left side to the f r o n t show a thimble on the right t h u m b . U n d e r cover of an u p w a r d t h r o w b a c k - p a l m the thimble.
P r e t e n d to w a t c h its flight a n d as your p a n t o m i n e indicates it is d r o p p i n g , take a step to the right a n d suddenly push u p the second f i n g e r with the thimble on it as if just c a u g h t , close the o t h e r fingers. E x t e n d t h e fingers a n d hold the right h a n d with its p a l m to the f r o n t . W i t h a wave of t h e h a n d vanish the thimble by the F a d e w a y palm. P a g e 13. R e p r o d u c e it on t h e tip of the third finger f r o m the back of the h e a d .
4 — Production From the Mouth
W i t h the right side to the f r o n t , show a thimble on the right t h u m b . Close left h a n d w i t h the back of the h a n d u p p e r m o s t , insert the right t h u m b into the fist a n d bend its tip. with the thimble on it. d o w n over the left t h u m b .
W i t h the tip of t h e right little finger nip off the thimble a n d keep all the right fingers b e n t inwards. S t r a i g h t e n the right t h u m b u p w a r d s a n d d r a w the left h a n d over it as if removing the thimble. V a n i s h it then in the usual fashion.
Raise t h e right h a n d to t h e m o u t h and, a m o m e n t before the t h u m b reaches t h e lips, b e n d it d o w n , pick u p t h e f i n g e r - p a l m e d thimble, a n d push in into your m o u t h . T h e action is covcred by the position of the h a n d but the t h u m b m u s t move rapidly. R e m o v e the t h u m b with the thimble on its tip very slowly.
5 — A T h u m b Steal
W i t h t h e right side to the audience, display a thimble on the right forefinger a n d close the left h a n d with the knuckles u p w a r d .
Push the thimble into the fist leaving its m o u t h just at the o p e n i n g of the t h u m b a n d first finger. L e t it be seen t h a t the thimble is really there. P a t the side of the fist with the right h a n d , secretly inserting the tip of the t h u m b a n d stealing the thimble. Fig. 1.
V a n i s h the thimble f r o m the left fist by c r u m b l i n g it a w a y , or as you wish, at t h e same time letting t h e right h a n d d r o p . Q u i e t l y press t h e thimble off the t h u m b into t h e finger-clop b e t w e e n t h e second a n d t h i r d fingers r e a d y f o r r e p r o d u c t i o n as m a y be desired.
G — A " V i c t o r " ious V a n i s h
W i t h the right side of body to the f r o n t , show a t h i m b l e on the tip of t h e r i g h t forefinger, h o l d i n g it at the back of the left h a n d . Fig. 2. u n -d e r cover of t h e left h a n -d t h u m b - p a l m the thimble in the right a n -d close t h e left fingers on t h e forefingers as it is again e x t e n d e d .
R e t a i n i n g t h e left h a n d g r i p of t h e right forefinger, clip the t h i m b l e between t h e second a n d third fingers, by t h e side of t h e r i m nearest the t h u m b , place t h e side of t h e first joint of right little f i n g e r a g a i n s t t h e opposite side of the first joint of right little finger against t h e opposite side of t h e rim, and, in t u r n i n g the right h a n d p a l m t o t h e f r o n t , b a c k - p a l m t h e thimble between t h e m i d d l e a n d little fingers. Fig. 3.
D r a w t h e left h a n d off the right forefinger, as if r e m o v i n g t h e t h i m -ble a n d show the right p a l m e m p t y . Fig. 4. V a n i s h t h i m b l e f r o m left h a n d , d r o p t h e right with its b a c k to t h e f r o n t , reverse t h e t h i m b l e a n d t h u m b - p a l m it f r o m the third finger. T h i s clean vanish was c o n t r i b u t e d by E d w a r d Victor, the f a m o u s English e x p e r t , to the M a g i c W a n d , q u a r t -erly, to w h i c h magicians arc i n d e b t e d for a host of good things.
7 — A " S u c k e r " V a n i s h
. Show a thimble on the right f o r e f i n g e r a n d a p p a r e n t l y leave it in t h e left h a n d , really t h u m b - p a l m i n g it in t h e right by one of t h e m e t h o d s a l r e a d y explained. R e p r o d u c e it on the right f o r e f i n g e r a n d hold the h a n d n e a r t h e left a r m p i t .
P r e t e n d to p u t t h e t h i m b l e in t h e left a r m p i t a n d press t h e elbow close to t h e side, really t h u m b - p a l m it a n d t h e n t r a n s f e r it to t h e second finger.
H o l d t h e left p a l m o u t w a r d s a n d p o i n t to its p a l m with the right forefinger. T u r n to the right to b r i n g t h e right p a l m to t h e f r o n t , a n d , as the h a n d s cross in f r o n t of the body, e x t e n d t h e right second f i n g e r
d r a w the thimble off with the second, third a n d f o u r t h fingers of the left h a n d , b e n d i n g them into the left palm. Point to the e m p t y right palm with the left forefinger.
T u r n to the f r o n t , left elbow still pressed against the side, raise the left f o r e a r m straight up. back of h a n d to the f r o n t a n d insert the left t h u m b into the thiinble. Slap the left elbow w i t h the right h a n d a n d straighten the left t h u m b showing the thimble, at the s a m e time raise the left a r m f r o m the side.
8 — L'p the A r m
M a k e the motion of p u t t i n g a thimble into the left h a n d , really t h u m b - p a l m i n g it in the right. Bend the right f o r e a r m u p w a r d s a n d ex tend the right fingers, back of the h a n d to the f r o n t .
Slap the left h a n d smartly on the right elbow a n d instantly pick u p the thimble with the right second finger and snap it into view.
9 — Taps
F a c i n g to the f r o n t , show a thimble on t h e right forefinger a n d close the left h a n d in f r o n t of the body, knuckles u p w a r d . Push the thimble i n t o t h e left fist, leaving it in t h e bend of t h e f o r e f i n g e r a t the t h u m b side of the fist, b u t p u s h t h e finger well in as if pushing the thimble right into t h e h a n d .
T a p the side of the first joint of t h e left f o r e f i n g e r w i t h t h e tips of t h e right fingers several times a n d . at t h e last tap, b e n d the tip of t h e right middle finger i n t o the thimble a n d steal it. At the same m o m e n t t u r n the left h a n d u p w a r d s , raising it to the left and t h u m b - p a l m t h e thimble f r o m the tip of the right second finger.
Point to the left h a n d with the right forefinger keeping t h e other three fingers closed on the palm. O p e n the left h a n d , e m p t y .
T h e idea f o r this quick a n d easy vanish is t a k e n f r o m "Slow Sleights" by E. Brian M a c C a r t h y . published by T h e M a g i c W a n d .
10 — T w o For O n e
T h e following effect is o n e of the f a v o r i t e moves of M r . J a m e s S h a n -non, a very clever m a n i p u l a t o r of thimbles. T o present t h e trick a n n o u n c e t h a t you really h a v e two thimbles, one visible a n d one h i d d e n , a n d you challenge the onlookers to find o u t w h e r e the second is concealed.
Showing a thimble on the forefinger, you say, " H e r e is one." Push it i n t o the left fist, pull it off the f o r e f i n g e r with the tip of the left third finger, push the p o i n t of the right t h u m b into the thimble a n d instantly raise the t h u m b straight u p with a f o r w a r d twist of the wrist, saying, " A n d here is the o t h e r . " R e t a i n the grip by the left h a n d on the right forefinger.
A f t e r a m o m e n t or two t u r n the right t h u m b over i n w a r d s a n d d o w n w a r d s , pull t h e thimble off the t h u m b w i t h t h e tip of the left third finger a n d insert the second finger into it. R e m o v e the right f o r e f i n g e r a n d open b o t h h a n d s showing the one thimble on the tip of t h e left second finger. N a t u r a l l y t h e r e is no trace of a n y o t h e r thimble.
11 — From H a n d to Hand and Back Again
F a c i n g t h e audience, show a thimble on the left f o r e f i n g e r a n d hold a d u p l i c a t e thimble t h u m b - p a l m e d in right h a n d . P u t b o t h h a n d s in f r o n t of your knees, backs to f r o n t a n d forefinger only e x t e n d e d .
Swing t h e a r m s slightly to a n d fro, quickly t h u m b - p a l m the thimble on left forefinger a n d p r o d u c e t h u m b - p a l m e d thimble on right forefinger. Hold the h a n d s still for a m o m e n t to show the change. T h e n raise them to the right a n d remove the thimble f r o m right forefinger with the left f o r e f i n g e r a n d t h u m b . At the same m o m e n t w i t h the second finger of t h1
right h a n d steal the t h u m b p a l m e d thimble f r o m the left h a n d a n d t h u m b -p a l m it in the right. P u t the visible thimble on the ti-p of the left fore-finger a n d r e p e a t the slight.
12 — F o u r T h i m b l e s F r o m H a n d to H a n d
S t a n d f a c i n g the a u d i e n c e a n d show a thimble on e a c h finger of the right h a n d ; a f i f t h t h u m b - p a l m e d in the same h a n d
T u r n t h e left h a n d p a l m o u t w a r d s a n d rest t h e tips of the right fingers on it just above the wrist. T u r n to the right a n d by means of a c q u i t -m e n t No. 1 (p. 16) t r a n s f e r the t h u -m b - p a l -m e d t h i -m b l e to the left -m i d d l e f i n g e r a n d t h u m b - p a l m it.
T u r n to the left a n d show the backs of b o t h h a n d s . U n d e r covcr of a wave of b o t h hands, t h u m b - p a l m the thimble f r o m t h e right f o r e f i n g e r a n d pick u p the t h u m b - p a l m e d thimble in the left h a n d with t h e left forefinger. A thimble a p p e a r s to h a v e flown f r o m one h a n d to the other. F a c e to t h e f r o n t , w i t h the right forefinger a n d t h u m b remove the thimble f r o m left forefinger a n d at t h e same m o m e n t steal the thimble t h u m b - p a l m e d in the right h a n d w i t h the left second finger. P u t the thimble just taken off the f o r e f i n g e r on the tip of the l e f t little finger. W i t h t h e left h a n d c h a n g e the thimble f r o m tip of little f i n g e r to fore-finger of right h a n d .
T u r n again to the left, showing the backs of the h a n d , r e p e a t the w a v i n g of t h e h a n d s , t h u m b - p a l m the thimble f r o m the right forefinger a n d p r o d u c i n g thimble on the left forefinger. T w o thimbles h a v e passed across.
C h a n g e the positions of thimbles as before, again stealing one w i t h the left h a n d , a n d r e p e a t the moves until all f o u r thimbles arc on the left fingers.
