http://www.sparkmuseum.com/QUACK.HTM


It's a Temporisoscope, a kind of Time Communicator.

More here about quack medicine.
http://www.collectmedicalantiques.com/quack5.html
...Rectal Dilatator...

It won't be long before "Steam Topic" opens at the mall and the whole thing goes kaput. Especially with Sherlock looming.

Undoubtedly. Victorian magic suffered a similar fate of over exposure several years ago. Act fast and hit the bull's eye dead center, or look ahead for the next target!

Shhh… That Infernal Contraption…. may become reality.

Now I’m being (very) premature here, so this is just a sneak of a sneak-peak heads-up, so since it’s all theory and not practice right now, please don’t breathe a single word, okay???

That said, it looks like I might possibly be collaborating, with that skilled an imaginative woodworker and illusioneer, Gimpy (now famous for his quality light-and-heavy chests).

We’re talking about a Victorian/Steampunk device, able to magically warp time-and-space. The machine will perhaps be called: “That Infernal Contraption” and although it won’t resemble one at all… it’s modus-operandi may be based upon the classic Square-Circle…

It will be lovely to behold, no doubt pack perfectly flat for transport, and just think of the fun you’d have reversing time to discover: Edison’s first light bulb, or Jack the Ripper’s bloody gloves, or perhaps John Wilkes Booth’s top hat! I’ll put on my best thinking-cap to provide the tales to tell.

The possibilities are endless, and you will want one, not just to collect, but to perform. Ah, but I’ve said too much, and it’s all stuck in another time-vortex as yet. So you learned nothing here….

Wait and see!
Magically,
Walt

I am hoping some of you with more knowledge about Steampunk magic can help me. I have been asked to display a magic/conjuring performance for a group of fans of Steampunk (various ages) at a yet to be determined venue. I currently have a 18th Century style act and character (pre-Robert-Houdin and Victorian). I don't want to completely re-invent the whole character, costume, and performance, but I know I will need to make some changes.

I currently do a card on wall using a flintlock-type pistol (technically it is a percussion cap pistol). I also do a self igniting candle from across the room using the same pistol. I do some necromancy using a secret code within a hand written letter to communicate with the beyond. I also do a signed note to orange, as well as a multiple rose production using a simple change bag (amazing how many rose buds you can fit into one of those things!) and more. I think with some simple scripting changes most of these will fit in nicely.

The character I was thinking about would be a very early scientist who has discovered rare and strange elements of natural philosophy which allow him to display these strange wonderments.

Any obvious problems, suggestions, or thoughts?

Sounds like you don't have to change a thing. Adding mention of air ships, add some goggles, :\ listen to Abney Park for a while and you're good to go.

I was thinking of adding an apparatus or some kind of cool looking machine, but not certain of an easy way to incorporate it. Is anyone using any type of apparatus that works off the shelf for Steampunk magic?

Maybe some vintage pieces would qualify.

I created my Teleportation Device in 1986. It was a 50's retro science fiction effect at that time. Mike Forbes constructed and sold the devices in the early nineties, and then Hocus-Pocus Magic put them out again in early 2001.

About five years ago, when I created the 19th Century Western Steam Punk character, I made the device into more of a steam model and added goggles to the character:



Here is a video of my Teleportation Device:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7561284216805255397#

I sell the rights to the routine, along with a DVD explaining the whole trick, along with a CD with some basic diagrams of the workings of the device and photos of the inside and outside of several different versions of the device for $50. You can build it yourself, or have someone make it for you.

Don Stachowiak is currently custom-making them, and does a wonderful job, for dirt cheap in my opinion.

You can find the True Story of certifiable genius and time-traveler Pop Haydn on my website, PopHaydn.com:

http://www.pophaydn.com/TrueStory.html


Here is my Magneto Electric Machine, a medical device used for nervous disorders, female hysteria, and to stimulate the liver and kidneys:

I just did my flea circus for a Steampunk event here in Seattle last weekend. It went over quite well and I booked another Steampunk event while I was there.

People of course wondered what a flea circus had to do with Steampunk. But I told them if they looked closely they'd notice that I had fitted all of my fleas with teeny tiny pairs of goggles. Thus making it properly Steampunk.

A flea circus makes perfect sense to me for Steam Punk, even without the tiny goggles.

Even time travelers need to raise local time and local area funds now and then--it is difficult to to find 21st Century money in the 19th Century, for example. That is why Pop Haydn does a medicine show. It is a perfect vehicle for raising needed funds. How else are you going to buy parts to repair your devices?

Selling a little medicine, selling quack machines, fortune telling, vaudeville acts, magic, music and other similar skills are perfect for traveling strangers who need to make money in a hurry without leaving much of a trail.

Steam Punk is where it's at! It was the style I adopted for my first time busking:

:jdg
http://www.cardsinabottle.com

Truly part of the pop-conscious now:

http://www.likecool.com/Steampunk_Laptop......ear.html

Thought of you steam punkers when I saw it, cheers.

I'll see your cover and raise you this...

http://www.datamancer.net/steampunklapto......ptop.htm

actually I like the laptop cover and If I ever get my lap top fixed I might get one.

Regarding the Teleportation Device, I have the materials on hand to build three more, without having to order anything else. I will take orders up until June 1, or until I have received three orders, whichever comes first, after which I will not accept any more orders until further notice.

Here I am at Canada's first Steampunk convention last week

Anyone looking for goggles etc?

Brass Steampunk Goggles
http://www.pegasuspublishing.com/Brass-S......466.html

Dual Magnifier Lens Accessory
http://www.pegasuspublishing.com/Dual-Ma......467.html

Eyeglass Clip On Dual Magnifier Lens Acessory
http://www.pegasuspublishing.com/Eyeglas......488.html

Cheers
Frank

Magicians in the L.A. area can try to find Heather Daylight. Her son makes wonderful steampunk goggles.

Her website is http://www.daylightartworks.com/

I bought a pair at a recent science fiction convention, and am very happy with them.

I'm a proud customer of Daylight Art Works.

Regards,
Mike

My Steampunk Radio/iPod Player:

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=32