8″ Chrome Plated Steel “Chinese Linking Rings” Set of 8 (Pre-owned)

Description

Just in from a magician’s estate purchase. No instructions. Good pre-owned condition with only some light wear to a few of the rings. Overall the chrome plating is still quite good. No rust.

The Chinese Linking Rings is a classic of illusion. A trick that has puzzled audiences down through the ages and will continue to be one of the most popular and beloved tricks. In this version eight 8″ chrome plated steel rings shown to be solid, are linked and unlinked under the very eyes of the spectators. They also pass through each other, and form chains and other complex patterns and configurations. The rings may even be handed out to audience members for examination. Sometimes an audience member is invited onto the stage to perform alongside the magician as part of a “Do As I Do” routine.

Some History:

Chinese stage magician Ching Ling Foo (1854–1922) was one of the early performers of the linking rings in the form known today. A painting by Giacomo Mantegazza in 1876 showed a harem girl holding a set of rings above her head. Speculation about the rings’ origin has been traced to Turkey, Egypt and the Middle East and as long ago as the 1st century.

French magician Philippe (Jacques Andre Noel Talon) was one of the first recorded magicians to use the rings. During the second half of his show, he donned an Oriental robe and conical cap. He took 8-inch (200 mm) solid metal rings and had the audience examine them. He claimed that he learned them from a troupe of Chinese jugglers in Britain. After the rings were returned, Philippe proceeded to link and unlink them. From there, he combined glittering circles into complicated designs. According to Robert-Houdin, he said that for a finale, Philippe blew on them and they fell separately on the floor.[2] Robert-Houdin also performed a version of the trick.

Recent magicians who are known for their performances with the linking rings include Dai Vernon,[3] Richard Ross,[4] Jack Miller, Michael Skinner, Whit Haydn, Ian Ray – “The Genie Ali Pali”, Jeff McBride, Shoot Ogawa, Fu Manchu, Tina Lenert,[5] Fábio De’Rose, Jim Cellini, Chris Capeheart,[6] Tom Frank, and Galina.[7] Christian Bale’s character, Alfred Borden, performs the trick in The Prestige. The number of rings used can vary from two to ten, or more. A standard set of commercially available rings typically includes eight rings.

Note: Because of the size and weight of this item additional shipping charges may be required to your location. Please contact us first before ordering so we can quote a price.