Royal Robbery by Harry Stanley, Arthur Leo

Description

This effect and method was invented by George Lorimer and published in the British monthly periodical The Magician Monthly as The Crown Jewels of Crashbania and subtitled: A Regular Royal Robbery (pg. 72, May, 1928). Lorimer’s routine had quite a lot more going on than the eventual dealer versions including: changing the large rubies into a shower of smaller rubies, a British flag to cover the crown, the production of some large silks, and a cage complete with Canary 🙂

However, the key methods of the rubies appearing in the crown and vanishing from the presentation case are used in both dealer versions I have seen. The first dealer version that I am aware of was this one by Harry Stanley c. 1953 as Royal Robbery and routined by Arthur Leo. Supreme Magic released there version later and is discussed here.

Although this prop is about seventy years old it looks a lot more regal than the later released Supreme versions. The crown is much more intricate, with 3D Rubies, a blue velvety material embedded in parts of the crown and other gems painted on. If you look at the final photo where I put the crows side to side – there is no question which one looks more like a real crown. This version also features four gems at two different levels which makes for a more interesting (and harder to achieve) appearance. The jewel box also is more regal with a crown motif added to the top. One final difference is the crown has an integrated stand that closes flat which is significantly more stable than the small stand used for the Supreme version.

This is a great routine for the younger children and will entertain them and they will have plenty of fun along the way. It is very topical right now with the Coronation of King Charles III 🙂

I do not have the original instructions for this version but do include the instructions for the Supreme version and by studying the props and reading the original advert the routine is pretty straight forward. My video will also demonstrate how I would perform this.

(Notice: what looks like a large crack in the crown on the lower right hand side is a scratch in the paint work, not a crack in the wood.)

Effect: Acclaimed by every purchaser as the best Kiddies effect for years! Also good for Adults! An exciting Adventure with a Crown and its Jewels, by ARTHUR LEO. A ” Royal” entertainment that plays for several minutes with many surprises and something interesting happening all the time ! You can perform this yourself, or, get some helpers from the audience, dressing them up for their parts . . either way, it’s grand fun and mystery.

Here is an outline of the plot: Performer tells the story of a desperate attempt to steal the Crown Jewels. A large colorful Crown is shown, there are empty spaces where the Jewels should be, these are kept in a deep vault in the Royal Jewel Case.

Whenever they are needed for a great state occasion, a Courier carries the Jewels to the Palace for insertion in the Crown. But, on this particular day, a gangster races up in a car and steals the Jewels. There is consternation at the Palace … but, the High Chamberlain calls for the Court Magician, who, weaving his spells … causes them to magically RETURN to the Jewel Case. When the robbers get home, they find that the Jewels have VANISHED !

Meanwhile the Chamberlain, deciding not to chance sending them by Courier again, calls on the Court Magician to send them by magic. The Jewel Case, with the four Jewels shown therein, is tapped with the magic wand. Lo, and behold … One is seen to have disappeared … only three remain. Another magic tap … and ANOTHER is seen to have disappeared … and ANOTHER … then finally, the fourth goes, too! The Jewel Case is empty!

These “vanishes” of the Jewels from case, ONE AT A TIME IS VERY EFFECTIVE INDEED. The crown is now seen to have the four large Jewels safely back in their proper places, and all is ready for the great occasion. A really outstanding routine. The props, are Large and very Colorful.

(Notice: Includes: Printed Instructions.)