Timing and misdirection are important in performing any trick, so keep them constantly in mind. The illusion of complete disappearance must be perfect—make it so!
POCKET VANISH
This naturally follows Through the Pocket (a), (page 122).
Place a half dollar on the right leg outside the trousers pocket, holding it there with the right thumb. The right forefinger pinches the cloth at the bottom of the coin, Fig. 1, and turns it upward, Fig. 2, hiding the coin under the fold of cloth, Fig. 3. It will be observed that the right thumb retains its original position on the coin, only now the coin is on top of the thumb.
Place the left forefinger on top of the fold, retaining it as the right thumb withdraws the coin and presses it into the right finger palm, Fig. 4. The right fingers are extended a moment in this action, which conceals the coin from view as it is withdrawn. Coin is in right finger palm as right hand quickly moves down and right thumb and forefinger grasp cloth below the fold. (Fig. 5 depicts position of both hands at this point.) Right hand pulls cloth downward, showing the coin vanished. The left hand slaps the right leg and the right hand reaches into the trousers pocket for the coin. The right hand is partially withdrawn, showing the half dollar lying at the base of the fingers. Coin has apparently penetrated the pocket.
Immediately turn the right hand inward, allowing the coin to fall back into the pocket. The right hand pretends to place the coin into the left hand, which closes. The right hand slaps the back of the left from underneath, as it opens. This action apparently propels the invisible half dollar into the air, for the eyes follow its upward flight. Both hands are then shown empty.
The penetration and apparent removal of the coin from the right trousers pocket blend in one uninterrupted operation. Without pausing an instant the right hand seemingly deposits the coin in the left and a moment later it vanishes.
WITH A HANDKERCHIEF
NUMBER ONE
A favorite vanish among coin conjurers is this old standby. It is still a first-rate audience fooler, and best of all, it is not difficult to perform.
Any size coin may be used to good effect.
For better understanding of all moves it is suggested that the feat be rehearsed with the articles in hand.
Stand facing the spectators as you call attention to a half dollar. Hold it vertically, about chest high, between the first two fingers and thumb of the left hand. A man’s handkerchief is held in the right hand by one edge between the first two fingers, while the third and fourth bend inward pressing a fold against the palm, Fig. 1. It will be found that when the handkerchief is held in this manner, the thumb and forefinger remain free, thus being in the necessary position to pick up the coin, which is what actually takes place later. This grip also spreads the handkerchief considerably, affording more cover for the secret steal.
The right hand, still holding the handkerchief as described above, moves in front of the coin, then travels inward until the center of the cloth is over the coin. At this stage the grip on the handkerchief is released, allowing it to drape naturally over the coin held in the left hand. Next, the right hand grasps the coin through the handkerchief from above and turns it over so the fingers of that hand point upward. The coin will now be in view, as shown in Fig. 2. Call attention to the fact that the coin is still there.
Apparently the foregoing moves are repeated, but this time the coin vanishes.
The left hand takes the coin once more as described. The right hand again goes through the motions of covering the coin. This time, however, the right thumb and forefinger snatch the coin from the left hand in the action of draping the handkerchief over hand. The right hand moves back toward the upper breast coat pocket and quickly drops the coin therein. The operation is fully shielded from the spectators’ view by the handkerchief, Fig. 3.
During the action of covering the coin the second time, raise the left hand slightly and center your full attention on it. This serves as a bit of misdirection and helps to conceal the movement of the right hand as it deposits the coin in the pocket. There should be no noticeable difference in the second covering of the coin over the first, as actually both are almost identical.
As soon as the coin falls into the breast pocket the right hand releases its grip on the handkerchief and pretends to take the non-existing coin through the center of the cloth. Both hands quickly bunch up the handkerchief and toss it into the air. As it falls the hands catch it and spread it out and show it empty. The coin has faded away completely.
WITH A HANDKERCHIEF
NUMBER TWO
JIMMY BUFFALOE
Effect: The wizard spreads a handkerchief on the table. With his sleeves rolled high, he shows a half dollar and places it underneath the center of the handkerchief where it is heard to strike the table. The handkerchief is immediately jerked away. The coin. has vanished! Both hands are positively empty. Nothing is used but a regular coin and a pocket handkerchief.
Method: Prepare for the trick by bunching up a handkerchief and stuffing it in the right coat pocket. This holds the pocket open slightly for what follows.
Stand with the table in front of you and spread a pocket handkerchief on its top. The handkerchief should be of such weight that a coin lying on the table could not be seen through it. Pull back the sleeves and show a half dollar. The left hand lifts the inner edge of the cloth and the right hand goes underneath with the coin. The right fingers snap the coin down on the table at about the center of the handkerchief and immediately pick it up and back palm it. The right hand then moves back to the right inner corner of the handkerchief and grasps it with the fingers underneath and the thumb on top. The left hand assumes a similar position at the left inner corner, as in Fig. 1.
Suddenly the performer exclaims, “One, two, three—go!” Quickly the handkerchief is jerked from the table, the right hand moving back toward the right coat pocket and dropping the back palmed coin therein, Fig. 2. Without hesitation pop the handkerchief between the two hands and toss it into the air. As it descends
