THE HEMMINGWAY LOCK
Posted: Jul 2nd, '09, 00:29
The Effect
From Collectors Workshop comes a world-class effect, and a brilliant version of the Keys to Baldpate. One of the true classics of mental magic.
Effect: Five different colored keys are placed in a strikingly beautiful antique, hand-crafted, gold inlaid brandy snifter and passed through the audience. Four members freely select a key, leaving one for the performer. Keys may be exchanged among spectators and performer. Finally, one key remains in the goblet, this key going to the performer.
The spectator's each try their key to no avail, the performer's key is now inserted and it OPENS the lock!
It's a reputation-maker. To be sure, some marvelous versions of this effect exist on the market today. Some rely on batteries and radio transmission. Others have incorporated locks that were well-gimmicked, but were small and insubstantial, as compared to the spectacular effect. This lock is a world-beater. No electronics, no switches of any kind. It is one hefty piece of work weighing almost two pounds. It is a heavy, polished chrome padlock of imposing construction. And, when it opens, at the peak moment of dramatic tension, it literally 'springs' open with a resounding snap!
Comes complete with keys, lock and detailed instructions. Use your own brandy glass.
http://www.collectorsworkshop.com/?nd=full&key=91
Photo here: http://www.martinsmagic.com/?html=full&nav1=faves&key=2519
Cost
$89.50 - currently around £60 at the current exchange rate.
Ordered through Merlins of Wakefield (http://www.merlinswakefield.com)
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
1
Review
While there are lots of padlock and key effects on the market, a lot of what I have seen has been poorly made and to be honest I've always resisted buying one because of the cheapness of the finish.
This one is different. You get exactly what is described - a monster of a padlock in polished steel that wouldn't look out of place in a high security setting. This lock looks the business and is the most professional looking padlock that I've seen to date.
What's more - it can be freely handled - with the keys by the audience!
Another factor in buying this is that there is very little difference between the price of the Hemmingway lock and the cheaper locks that I've seen so if like me, you like your props to look the business then I don't think that you will find much better.
The Hemmingway lock comes with a routine which suggests using the padlock to secure a box but it will need to be one hefty box to match the look of this lock. Personally, I'm going to get some steel chain and experiment with an escapology type routine.
Overall
Not cheap but well worth the money in this case, particularly when you compare it to the competition at a similar price level.
I now need to find a nice but old looking glass vase for the keys.