Some years back I acquired a set of multiplying and manipulation balls from an elderly magician, which were used during the early 1900s and possibly earlier. I am cataloging them in order to sell, and have a query.

The main set consists of four wooden red balls and two metal shells that fit perfectly over a ball. However, there is also a matching set which consists of three hollow nesting balls. I am not familiar with these, but imagine them to have been used during a ball manipulation routine as a diminishing ball effect. Is anyone familiar with this?

No but I sure would like to get myhands on them!!

A

Hi,
I have a set too. They belonged to my late Father who was a professional magician in the 1940s/50s. They were made by Davenports and are for a dimishing ball effect whereby the outer shells are palmed off leaving an examinable centre or smaller ball they probably date from the 1930s.
regards
Francis

Yes, this seems to be the same effect you describe, although I don't really know who they were made by. Presumably this was a popular trick at the time. Thanks for the info Francis.