I remember my old roommate, a very experienced magician, performing this routine in all of his shows, I never asked how it was done. Never wanted to..it was pure magic for me. But I understand that there is a version using a building...I want to say "The Architects Nightmare" but not sure. Any ideas? Also, have not been able to find a copy, is it still being made?

Thanks,

Charlie

http://www.martinsmagic.com/?html=full&key=4278

Here is some history behind The Blue Phantom.

It was invented by Hans Trunk, a Viennese director, sometime before WW II, possibly before WW I. I don't have the exact date. The method was revealed in Das Wunderbuch der Zauberkunst which was translated into English by J. Barrows Mussey (AKA Henry Hay) and published as Illustrated Magic. I've owned a couple of them. The ones made in the US by Thayer and Owen were, in my opinion, in my opinion, far less convincing that tne ones from Germany and Austria, because of a change in the method. The change allowed the magician to show a few of the checkers loose after the first transformation, but the gimmick was obvious from as far away as 12 feet.

My favorite is the one that was manufactured by ZZM. It was a close-up version of the original.

The name "Blue Phantom" is not an accurate translation of the original name "das blaue Wunder" which means an absolute miracle, a nasty surprise, or a real shock. It was probably named after the bridge in Dresden which bears the same name, although I see absolutely no connection at all between the two, other than the fact that the bridge has survived all sorts of disasters.

Thanks Bill for the info. I love the effect. My friend James Hamilton does an incredible version with his, everything is perfect, right down to the music.

Charlie

If the ZZM one is the small 6 inch tall "blue phantom with metal base, it's a beautiful one and am so happy to have one in my collection...reason I didn't buy the one by Magic Wagon as I thought it was no match to the German mini version.

I think it is the most convincing one of all.

The original Hans Trunk model worked basically the same way, just larger. And the internal mechanism was manual, rather than spring-loaded.

I agree with Bill and George that the ZZM version of the Blue Phantom is one of the nicest ever made.

However, one of the most interesting I've ever owned is this mini version (from Germany I'm told).



At the end of the routine, the cover is lifted to show that the blue checker was indeed a "phantom".



I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with this version? I'd love to know the manufacturer and obtain a copy of the original instructions.

Many thanks,

Joe

I have never seen that one. It is very interesting. It looks like the base is the same that was used in the ZZM version, but painted with enameled rings. The colors are different, of course. The ZZM version used white checkers with a blue second checker.

I would be willing to bet that the person who came up with this version was actually an American or from England.

The Germans and Austrians never refer to this as "the Blue Phantom," so it wouldn't make any sense to them.

I'll be in Austria later this year. I'll see what I can find out about it.

wow...looks very beautifull...and with a surprising and different ending...did you get info about the manufacturer??

No, I didn't. I actually have seen one of these before. Kenna Thompson had it in some photos he sent me. But he didn't know who made it, either.

There is a Chinese knockoff of the ZZM version. I purchased one at the TAOM convention over the Labor Day Weekend. The release is very stiff, and the tube is too rigid to do the necessary moves with.

Too bad.

Posted: Nov 20, 2010 1:36am
I saw a couple of versions of the Architect's Nightmare at NEMCA last week. Interesting.

We found one amongst my father's stuff a few years ago.
and I never heard of it until he told my mom and I what it was.
we were going to sell but he said he wanted to keep it.

I think its because he made it himself.

Somebody know who manufacture and sell the Blue Phantom today??

Magic Wagon is out of stock and Owen Magic Supreme is out of my budget...

Thanks for your help!

I don't know anyone who manufactures an inexpensive version of it. You don't want the Chinese knockoff, because it's a waste of money.

You need to consider your performing venue -- close-up or stage. The Magic Wagon item is close-up. The Owen item is stage.

I love preforming the Blue Phantom.

Update on the mini version that I thought was a Chinese knockoff of the ZZM version.

It's not Chinese. It's English. The newer ones are better than the one I purchased at the TAOM. Still, I prefer the ZZM version.

Anyone have a ZZM or Magic Wagon Blue Phantom that they'd like to sell?

If so, please PM me. Thanks.

Robert

Could someone give me advice on the Blue Phantom at emagictricks.co.uk. Is it of good quality?

Thanks for your help!

Rick

Are the ones at emagictricks the English version that Bill spoke about? Does anyone have this version?

Thanks

Rick

Rick. It's a great one, go for it. Sent you a pm.

Rick, did you get your phantom yer?