The routine that inspires this very novel presentation theme was originally published by Annemann, in 1931 in his Book Without A Name as "Seven Keys to Baldpate". Some variations followed in his Jinx Magazine, with different methods, and modified routines. (Check the September 1935 and July 1937 issues of the Jinx for some comments and methods).
The original effect, in Annemann's own words, was as follows - " It made use of a Yale or Corbin padlock and seven keys, only one of which would fit. The keys were to be mixed and each of seven people would pick one out and hold it in their closed fist. The performer would now pass from one to another and finally stop in front of one whose key would be tried and found to open the lock."
The effect has since become very popular with magicians. From simply divining which key would open the lock the effect has evolved over the years to one where the performer now has total control over which key will work. The original routines involved the use of ordinary padlocks and keys, and a switch of the useable key with a dummy. Gimmicked locks followed, allowing you to handle the props in a much cleaner manner, with more scope for the presentation routine. The lock we offer you is one of the best.
The original Annemann effect would be easy to perform with this prop - just pick any spectator ! It is also a great prop for a "Jackpot" type effect, which can be adapted for virtually any type of audience, from kids to adults.
This is a regular Padlock, but gimmicked ina most ingenious manner, along with several keys. Any of these keys can be "controlled" by the performer to open or not open the lock. It does not matter whether the performer or a spectator tries to open the lock, it will open or not open when handled as described in the instructions that accompany the item.
The lock could be on a "Treasure Chest", or a transparent box that holds some valuable treasure (anything from the Queen's Jewels to bank notes to Candy !). You could also use a pair of transparent acrylic plates with a high denomination bill sandwiched between them.
You first demonstrate that only one of the keys will open the lock. You may use as many keys as you wish, - four or more to eliminate the random probability factor, and seven would be as long as you should stretch the routine. The one Key that "opens" the lock would originally be on a ribbon, or pin, and you demonstrate this is the only one that opens the lock - the spectator(s) verify the others do not. The pin or ribbon is then removed, to mix up the "working key"
The keys are now mixed, (swirling them in a wine glass looks quite impressive !) and members of the audience invited to pick the keys, leaving the last one for you. They may even be permitted to change their mind - "would you like to swap your key with mine ?" They try to open the lock (to get to the Treasure inside) with no luck. The last key left for you is the only one that opens the lock.
A variation would be that one of the spectators, (for example the Birthday Child), can open the lock to get to his present, while the other children cannot.
We supply the large (50 mm) Brass Padlock, with eight keys, and full instructions for handling, and the routines you can do with this.
Article number: 2817