As an after effect effect (wow double redundancy) I like to just leave it on the table. People at least most of them are afraid to touch it anyway. I proceed to use my L**ps and animate it one final time. By then they would be scampering away.

Try it fellas!

Rannie

After I use mine, I slip it across the table for all to examine. As my index finger contacts it, I use my Funkin ring.. that creates a lot of mayhem and a very Fun positive ending. As for the aging of it? Well, I say it is a solid Gold Key from the temples in Burmah (or wherever). I had it Chrome Plated to protect the gold.

A few months back Peter Maruci , published a nice story line in the LR using the Haunted key and a locking Card box
Keet

I was inspired by this thread: I walked into an antique shop and foun many boxes filled with old style keys. I found a great coppper colored metal key for $8 which is perfect for the effect. In retrospect, I might have bargained with the owner for a lesser price.

:wavey:

Michael

You guys are rockin today with the ideas. All great and put a big smile on my face for sure!!! I love the Funkenring gag!! I bet they jump on that one. LOL That's a good finish Rennie!!! I bet they do run. How about a picture of that key, Michael. Sounds like a good idea and a great key. Can't wait to take a look at it. Im putting the stuff together to do some limited casting in pewter to start. It would be fun to have a collection of the repro great haunted keys. Each one would have a story.

-=tabman

Thanks Tabman. I hope you give it a try . Hope to see the collection in your site. I have a few of my own.

Rannie

Thanks Rennie, I'm gearing up to try to cast a few of them. I'm going to try them in pewter and see if I can get some nice ones. This is my first time to cast metal though I have been casting in polymers for about ten years; cold casting.

I am looking forward to trying the hot metal casting. First off I have to make a two part mold. I've ordered up what I think is the right stuff for hard rubber molding. If that doesn't work I might try lost wax. I can't find anyone to do a small run of say 50 keys for me without charging a ton to set it up. This key is just begging to be cloned!

-=tabman

To all those that perform the Haunted Key. Does nobody ever guess the method? I first saw this on T.V. performed by Ali Bongo in an interview, it was the only effect he did and it was excellent but I feel that the meathod close up is visible?

If it is then you are doing it wrong.

Try using it tied to the end of a piece of string as a lie detector. Try a real psychic experiment. Lay out three cards on the table and have someone think of one of the cards. Tell them that the key will reveal the card. A few experiments along this line with a few people will show you a world of possibilities.

It's great to have such a simple prop at our disposal. Now, this discussion has gotten me curious as to the origins of the haunted key effect. This has to date way back but I don't know the story.

Anyone???

-=tabman

You guys have gotten me interested in this effect with all the talk on this thread. I am aware of the mechanical versions of the haunted key, but with you guys talking about finding keys to use in this effect, I have to assume there is another M.O.

My first question would be, where can I find/purchase the workings of this effect? Does the book linked above have the M.O.? My first thought was that this was an I.T. effect, but I'm thinking that may be incorrect. Any help via P.M. would be most appreciated.

Barry Richardson has a marvelous version of the Haunted Key where the key moves in very strange and mysterious ways while in the performer's hand. He used to sell this in his lectures.

A.J.

If you really think about it, you almost move the key with your mind. If you have ever read Osterlind's e-book "Making Magic Real", you will note that he recommends that you keep your hand still. Find the right "point" on your hand where you place the key. Now concentrate. The key will start to move. This is almost as close to real magic as you can get. Also, as Tabman stated, if you have a piece of string tied to it, you could also use it as a makeshift "pendulum" where the key will move in the hands of the spectator with their minds controlling it. I have done this before and it never fails to get a great reaction. Like Rannie, I too have had people afraid to touch the key, but it was depending on the story I use. I once used a ghastly story behind it and the girl I performed it for would not touch it. It just had too many "bad vibes" coming from it according to her. Let's bring back this timeless classic. And Tabman, I would love to buy one of those keys from you if you can get some cast. Later my magi!

Phil

You're right, Phil, as far as I'm concerned, it's very close to real magic. You just think it over. I'm working on making the two piece mold right now to cast a few keys. As soon as I get some that I'm happy with I will post it here, and thanks.

-=tabman

I have quite a nice routine for this key as well...in all honesty, I hate creating patter for my routines and tricks, but this one trick is so much fun to patter with, it's in my pocket at all times now!

johnny

History of the effect?

The earliest reference that I remember seeing is in THE PHOENIX. I'm sure that somebody can find something in print that predates this publication.

The version printed in THE PHOENIX actually has the key balancing on the fingertips. I use this as a "closer" to my key routine w/ the key, after it turns in the spectator's hand.

Chris

Anyone ever try using a "spirit lock" with this routine? You could have the lock snap open by itself after the key has turned in your hand. I am thinking about adding that to the routine. Too cheesey? What do you think?

You can look in Eugene Burger's book SPIRIT THEATER. It has some very good information on the Haunted Key. I have a very large very old key that I purchased in an antique shop. I have a great comedy story that goes with it. I get a very big reaction with it. A nice set is going from haunted glass to key to deck. It knocks them out.

I think it sounds like a killer idea, Phil. Good thinking.

-=tabman

Maddog has some interesting ideas on routining the Haunted key with the Haunted deck and the Haunted glass. With the right presentation to tie it all together that might make one heck of an eye-opening set. Of course, the right presentation to tie it all together is the key (no pun intended).

A.J.

Hmmm. That sounds great!!! We should all get together and collaborate on a book on the haunted key

I still wish I could find some early references to it in the magic literature.

-=tabman