Modern Coin Magic. J. B. Bobo

      THROUGH A HANDKERCHIEF

      There are methods in great variety for performing this trick. Perhaps because the effect is simple and direct—and because no special props are used. Since no special preparation is required, the trick is a perfect one for close-up impromptu work. Here are two methods—both appear entirely different in effect.

      Effect: A coin is caused to penetrate the fabric of a pocket handkerchief in a baffling manner.

      (a) Display a half dollar in your left hand, holding it upright between the finger tips and thumb. With your right hand, spread a borrowed handkerchief and drape it over the left so its center covers the coin. Allow a spectator to feel the coin through the cloth and verify the fact that it is still there. With the aid of the right hand, the left thumb pinches over a small fold at the base of the coin. This fold is to the rear and is not seen by the spectators, Fig. 1.

      Say, “Let me show you that the half dollar is still underneath the handkerchief.” With the right hand, seize the front edge of the handkerchief and lift it up, thus giving a brief view of the coin, Fig. 2. The right hand then returns the handkerchief to its original position, as the left simultaneously tosses forward the back half of the handkerchief. This subtle action causes all the folds of the handkerchief to fall down-ward in front of the coin, Fig. 3. At this point the coin is outside the handkerchief, and is held in a horizontal position between the middle finger underneath and the thumb on top, Fig. 4.

      With the right hand, grasp the handkerchief a few inches below the coin and pull downward as you twist it counterclockwise, Fig. 5. Next, grip the handkerchief with the right second, third, and fourth fingers while the forefinger and thumb press against opposite edges of the coin. Finally, squeeze the coin into view, and show the handkerchief undamaged.

      Several astounding tricks utilizing this principle will be explained in later chapters.

      (b) Few close-up stunts have more eye-appeal than this version. It is startling and different in effect.

      Show the left hand empty, then hold it palm up as the right hand spreads a white pocket handkerchief over it. The center of the handkerchief should be over the palm and one corner on the forearm.

      Display a half dollar in the right hand, gripping it near its edge between the middle finger and thumb. With the coin thus held, it is placed over the center of the left palm on top of the handkerchief, Fig. 6. The right middle finger and thumb retain their grip on the coin as the left hand slowly closes over it. The left hand opens again to give one more view of the coin, then it closes. Immediately move the right hand inward and grasp the inner corner of the handkerchief lying on the forearm. In this movement the right hand thumb palms the half dollar. The handkerchief affords cover for the coin as it is withdrawn from the left hand and the back part of the right shields it from view as that hand reaches back to grasp the inner corner of the handkerchief.