Abbott’s Disecto Illusion by Tannen’s, Lester Lake

Description

Disecto was invented by Lester Lake (Marvelo) c. 1938 and it was first marketed by Abbott’s c. 1942.  It is one of my favorite mini-illusions and certainly one of the most convincing magic choppers.

This is Tannen’s version and is easily as well made and smooth as the early Abbott’s versions.  I personally prefer the red and white color scheme too and if I was performing Diescto this is the version I would use.

This was first advertised by Tannen’s as “Abbott’s Disecto Illusion” but over time the Abbott’s was dropped 🙁

When it comes to chopping things off Magician’s have no end of methods and contraptions to do this. The problem often is that the method looks obvious. For the small stage and parlor show I don’t think there is a more convincing and reasonably priced version than the classic Disecto. It just looks impossible.

Notice: this has a few scuff marks (mostly shown in the photos) and could be touched up if desired, however if you wanted to perform this I would leave it exactly the way it is.  It is a arm chopper for goodness sake so being a little scratched up makes it appear more realistic.  With or without a touch up this works very smoothly indeed and you’ll love performing this bad boy 🙂

Effect: This illusion has one hundred percent priority on Mystery, Entertainment, Ingenuity and Quality Construction. Four Demonstrations-Six Sales-from the original model-this we know to be an all-time record and should convince you that Abbott’s DISECTO Illusion is a magical phenomena that comes only once in a magic lifetime.

The first six were sold to Charles Morgan, Dr. Boris Zola, Monk Watson, Harry Cecil, Dr. Zina Bennett and Harold Ramm. Oh, how they raved! And when shown how Abbott’s DISECTO Illusion operates, they raved all the more in appreciation of the ingenuity of the idea and the construction. Study the illustration for one second. Now read the following: First show the customers how the DISECTO works by cutting three carrots, one where the victim’s hand is inserted, one above the hand and one below-not just one cut-a dozen pieces may be sliced in a few seconds.

The victim’s hand is now inserted in the DISECTO (hand can be held in any position as there is nothing to hide) and held firmly in position with lock pieces attached for that purpose. While this is going on, the blade is in full view of all.

Now a carrot is placed in the top hole-one in the lower hole-and a lighted cigar or cigarette in the opening alongside victim’s hand. Slowly and deliberately the Magician forces knife through the first carrot, cutting it cleanly in two pieces- the blade still being visible. Even as the knife is forced through the victims’s wrist (?) it can be seen by the audience. When blade is halfway through victim’s wrist (and before it cuts through the lighted cigar or cigarette), Magi asks victim if she can feel the blade and strangely enough, she says, “Yes,” for she does feel the blade.

Now as blade passes through victim’s wrist (?), at the same time it cuts through the lighted cigarette and then through the carrot in the lower hole.

THE WHOLE OPERATION IS AS SIMPLE AS IT READS

We unquestionably guarantee that there is no danger to the victim-nothing can go wrong. Now get this-The victim’s hand may be removed before the knife blade is pushed up to its former position or the knife blade may be pushed up through the wrist to its former position. Do it within six inches of spectators-with audience all around you. It’s foolproof. Perfect for the largest of stages and any type audience.

You can perform Abbott’s DISECTO Illusion in less than five minutes after you get it. No previous preparation-always ready. Weight of entire illusion-3 pounds. Base supports fold in flat for packing. Attractively finished in red, black and gold lacquer, the odd shape has been carefully worked out to add further appeal. The construction is so good that any spectator may slice the carrots.

(Notice: Includes: Printed Instructions.)