Coin in Ball of Wool and Nest of Boxes

This version of an old classic carries a fine pedigree because for years it was a program item of Dana Walden, a lyceum magician who was popular in the early twenties.

I am grateful to my good friend, Rolland Hamblen, for furnishing the routine.

Effect

The magician borrows a half dollar and has it marked in such a way that the owner will positively be able to identify it when he again sees it. Holding the coin in plain view, he requests a boy to step up and help him. He gives the boy a wine glass of water to hold in one hand, then after covering the coin with the handkerchief he has the boy hold it in his other hand directly over the glass. Apparently by accident the boy drops the coin, which falls into the glass. Upon uncovering the glass he finds it empty, except for the water.

To rectify matters the performer turns to his table for his wand but when he turns back to the boy he finds that the water has disappeared also. More confusion. First, the magician says, he will get back the water. With the aid of an awl, which he uses to make a hole in the boy's elbow, and a funnel he proceeds to pump the water out of the boy and the glass is again filled. However, that still leaves the half dollar to be found.

Attention is next directed to a mahogany box, which has been hanging in full view all during the performance. Taking down the box, it is unlocked and opened, disclosing a second box which just fills the first. This box, when removed and opened, is seen to contain a large ball of wool, which when unwound, discloses a small ribbon-wrapped parcel.

Inside the ribbon is a tiny metal box, which is encircled with rubber bands. When these are removed and the box opened there is a second, smaller box inside. This box is unlocked and opened. In it is the missing half dollar, which the gentleman identifies as his own.