Meir’s Muses
MyMagic eNewsletter #1,279
February 22, 2025
I have always been a Mandrake The Magician collector. But I never organized the collection, I kept buying things and most of the items are misplaced all over the place.
One time I was at an early comic-con in NYC where I heard Lee Falk was going to sign autographs. I found him and he was all alone at a table with no signage or fanfare. I sat next to him, and we talked about magic. Somewhere I have a cassette with that interview, and I even wrote a Muses article about it. The best part of the day was when I asked him for an autograph, and he suggested I go buy a comic for him to sign. I ended up buying 10-20 of them. When he got tired of writing my name, he just signed the rest, and over the years I sold some of those on eBay for $100-$200 each. I guess they can go for $500+ now… you never know!
While writing this newsletter I decided to find that original Muses article and put it on MagicTimes: HERE
And while doing that I also decided to add the first ten Muses articles I did from 1996: HERE
Which brings us to something I never knew existed and which I have a few for sale. At some point, probably in the early 1940s. King Features commissioned S.S. Adams to produce a Magical Coin Block type of trick using custom-made copper coins with Mandrake prominently displayed. Not sure what it was for but was likely for some kind of a promotional giveaway.
Ted Bogusta just found a few in mint condition and is letting me offer them to you. I also had fun making the trailer/tutorial for it.
►Mandrake’s Magic Coin:
This is an original copper colored (US Penny size) coin shell that adheres to a magnet. It was manufactured around 1941 by S.S. Adams for King Features Syndicate, which owned the Mandrake The Magician franchise.
The image on the coin portrays Mandrake holding what appears to be a wand with lightning flying out of it. The writing around the coin is, “Mandrake’s Magic Coin.” Also, in the lower center of the coin is a copyright notice, “© KFS.”
For magic token collectors. This has been cataloged as “Mandrake the Magician MT236.”
The purpose of the coin/magic trick is unclear, but it appears to likely be a premium for a chocolate company’s magic set or a radio promotion of some kind. The trick is based on the classic “Magical Block” trick where the shell is put over a dime and a magnet is used to steal away the shell, making it look like the penny turned into a dime.
Watch and buy: HERE
►Kreskin’s Fun Way To Mind Expansion:
The full title, subtitle, and description of the book is: “Kreskin’s Fun Way To Mind Expansion. The world’s foremost mentalist tells the reader how to condition your mind and body and sensitize yourself to accomplish many of the feats that Kreskin demonstrates.”
This is a very interesting book because Kreskin teaches some mentalism routines and explains how to perform them. He explains that all his shows include magic and gives great advice on how to perform mentalism both intimately and formally.
Watch and buy: HERE
►Goebel:
This is a fascinating historical book whose official title is “Goebel: The Man With The Magical Mind” which is also subtitled “The Story Of A Conjuror And Costumer.”
The life of George Goebel covers a lifetime of magic and his distinguished career in the world of costumes, where he dressed presidents, actors, singers, and dancers.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s George Goebel presented a large-scale illusion show called the Goebel Magical Revue. With a cast and staff of 35, he astonished lay audiences and received accolades from fellow magicians. Those shows influenced both Jim Steinmeyer and Lance Burton, each of whom contributed to this book.
Watch and buy: HERE
►OUR LATEST RELEASE:
►The Mouse That Roared:
Dan Garrett’s routine is quick and visual where a small mouse (puppet) runs up and down your arm, fingers, across your shoulders, attacks you, kisses you, interacts with you, bites you, it is fed, and so much more.
This streamlined mouse (originally called Judy The Mouse) does not use any fur or animal products in the manufacture of the puppet. The mouse also includes a small squeaker that is embedded inside, so all the squeaks are self-contained and are not dangerous to use like the original warblers.
Watch and buy: HERE
►eBay Auctions:
I was able to add some tricks and lecture notes to my eBay auctions, that might interest you. All auctions will expire on Sunday night.
►A direct link to the auctions: HERE
►A direct link to my eBay store: HERE
►UPCOMING APPEARANCES:
►MARCH 8: Spinnato’s Comedy Magic Show at Comix @ Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. Tickets: HERE
►MARCH 16: Spinnato’s Comedy Magic Show at Comix @ Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. Tickets: HERE
To view all my upcoming appearances go: HERE
Stay happy, Meir
PS: I remember Lee telling me that he based Mandrake’s look on Cardini, which he used to see at Radio City when he was a kid, and thought he looked very sophisticated. More info: HERE
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“If you can do even one trick that is really magical you can command any child’s instant attention.”
…Clayton Rawson (How To Entertain Children With Magic, 1962)
