Who doesn't love paddle tricks? Such a great move, easy to learn, and yet so deceptive. And many a magician in my generation got his introduction to paddle magic through one of two tricks: either the Hot Rod, or the Tricky Paddles. (Both still fun and entertaining pocket tricks even after 4-5 decades!)
When I first learned the tricky Paddles in the 1970's, the design had already been changed by EZ Magic -- the paddles were bigger and yellow. But here is a set from the early 1960's, complete with the backing card/instructions. You can see the paddles are more like a real swizzle stick that might have been used in one of those cocktails that everyone was drinking back in the 1960s. (At least, that's what it looks like in those old TV shows).
The effect is two-in-one: one paddle shows an empty hat and a rabbit appears in it. The other paddle shows a circle and it changes to a square. Simple but very visual and surprising for lay audiences.
This set is perhaps from the late 1950s, but no later than the early 1960s -- I can tell this set is one of the earlier ones, because the rabbit design is quite simple -- later version on these smaller white paddles had a slightly more detailed rabbit. Also the bottom of the paddles are rounded -- later versions had pointy ends on the handle.
Well, that may be more than you ever wanted to know about the Tricky Paddles, but for collectors of vintage close-up, I thought it was important to go into detail.
This is new old (very old) dealer inventory -- unearthed in a lot of ex-dealer inventory. The paddles and backing card are in great shape. Whether you want this for the nostalgic memories, or want it for your vintage magic collection, or want it for your performing repertoire, one thing is clear.... You want it!
Don't miss your chance.
Back to previous page
