Milson-Worth
Astro Ball by Milson-Worth
Astro Ball by Milson-Worth
A Classic that Still Plays Big
This is a very versatile effect that plays well in any venue – from living rooms to stage, and from kids’ shows to bizarre magic.
Astro Ball dates at least to Milson-Worth, which made a version much like the picture, above. Inside the cabinet are a ball and a glass, both sitting on the floor of the cabinet. The cabinet is closed, and when it is opened again, the ball is in the glass. After performing, the cabinet, ball, and glass all may be inspected – your audience will not figure it out.
Astro Ball cabinets are available from a variety of makers, at a wide range of prices. The method generally is the same, with the price reflecting the quality of the cabinetry.
The ball-into-glass is one of the 5 effects included in Stewart James’ famous 1939 Sefalaljia routine. If you want to expand upon the Astro Ball routine, a Sefalaljia cabinet is more expensive, but allows you to add additional effects.
Source: Astro Ball
Sand Frame by Milson-Worth
Sand Frame by Milson-Worth
You can’t find any better sand frame
This is a gorgeous solid walnut frame by Milson-Worth, measuring 5 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches and 3/4 inch thick on the perimeter. The sand empties almost instantly and takes about 3 seconds to fill entirely. MIlson-Worth only made two sand frames. This one is for regular sized cards and only made of hardwood. A larger gloss black lacquered frame was made for jumbo cards. Both came with the gold striping as pictured.
As stated in the catalog, the frames use a special combination of glass plates to enhance the visual clarity of the production, whether it be a card, photo, written message, etc. As expected from Milson-Worth, this is a beauty that is not easily captured with the camera as when seen with your eyes.
This frame always seems to bring back memories of my visits to Milson-Worth back around 1990. The workshop was a rather quaint small place in one of the many plain commercial buildings found in the far northeast area of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. There was no outdoor advertisement telling what lied inside. There was only one door that took you immediately into a closet size area where Lyn Johnson did his famous flawless paint job. This then led into a bedroom sized tooled workshop and that was all to Milson-Worth. I used to spend lots of time in there talking to Lyn about his magic and, of course, buying his stuff.
Source: Sand Frame
Sand Frame by Milson-Worth
Sand Frame by Milson-Worth
Locking Card Box (MW) by Milson-Worth
Locking Card Box (MW) by Milson-Worth
Solid performer from Milson-Worth
This is Milson-Worth’s version of the card box and it’s a masterpiece. The cover is heavy duty, solid walnut construction with a distinctive look to it to stand out from the many popular models out there. There would be no mistaking that this is a Milson-Worth card box.
One feature that stands out is the cover can be freely handled as the "flap" is a lockable one, both before and after the transformation. Don’t recall ever seeing this added touch in the many boxes out there. The locking and release mechanism is cleverly built into the cover and entirely under your control.
As with the famous painted MW line, Lyn Johnson also demonstrates his skills with woodworking on this item and it ranks among the best I have seen. Definitely, one of my favorite MW pieces in my collection
Source: Locking Card Box (MW)
Locking Card Box (MW) by Milson-Worth
Locking Card Box (MW) by Milson-Worth
Lightbulb Penetration by Milson-Worth
Lightbulb Penetration by Milson-Worth
Atypical MW item, but one great illusion
Saw this item for sale on ebay by John Mendoza and decided to bring out the one sitting in my collection for 19 years. Forgot what a great illusion this is. I guess it’s easy to miss this one for it’s simple, straightforward design and construction in contrast to the rest of the Milson-Worth line. However, it is a well built fooler and one you will want to perform, while the rest of your MW collection sits pretty on the shelf.
The pictures tells it all. With a simple idea, the whole apparatus can be examined in the beginning and at the end of the routine to further add confusion to this mystery. As far as I can tell, it was never pictured in any MW catalogue, but casually mentioned in the price lists that accompany the catalogues.
The brass light stand is of heavy construction, 24 3/4 inch tall with the globe bulb, and the base has a 5 1/2 inch diameter. Overall, a beautiful effect and recommended if you can find one for sale.
Source: Lightbulb Penetration
Lightbulb Penetration by Milson-Worth
Lightbulb Penetration by Milson-Worth
Magic Frame by Milson-Worth
Magic Frame by Milson-Worth
Astro Ball by Milson-Worth
Astro Ball by Milson-Worth
Orange Cabinet by Milson-Worth
Orange Cabinet by Milson-Worth
Beautiful as only Milson-Worth can make!
I’ve always had a soft spot for this item from $link(nd=gallery&keywords=milson.worth,Milson-Worth), but never managed to pick one up. I recently found one on $link(nd=ron,Ron Allesi’s site) and was very quick to snap it up.
Although, this is a perfect mirror box – very deceptive indeed, even close up – it is also a great routine. You show the empty box. Then you thread a cord through the box and introduce an orange into the mix. You also borrow a ring. After some magical incantations the orange and ring disappear in a hanky and appear inside the box, threaded on the cord that has been in full view all along.
A great magical classic and built only the way that Milson-Worth know how!
Source: Orange Cabinet
