The Salon de Magie Part IV

Lot #194:

Maxam Ring Illusion or the Freer Linking Rings. St. Albans,...

Maxam Ring Illusion or the Freer Linking Rings. St. Albans, VT: Winston Freer, ca. 1942. Unusual and precision-made metal gimmick that allow three solid metal rings to be magically linked together – even though the rings are unprepared and are solid steel hoops. They can be examined both before and after the performance. Gimmick only; 10" rings required. Length of gimmick 4 ¾". RARE; only the second we have encountered. Note: image shows the effect in performance, but no rings are included.

Freer, whose reputation was as something of a mad genius, first marketed his Maxam Ring Illusion in the 1940s. While the effect of linking solid rings was already ancient by that time, Freer's method was entirely original. The trick has traditionally been performed with one or more prepared rings, but his version allowed them to be examined both before and after the performance. In the years since Freer released the trick, its status has grown to something of a legend – possibly because the equipment is virtually unobtainable. The props originally sold for $8.00, and advertising copy that stated no “thread, glue, cellophane, magnetism or exchange" was necessary was entirely true. A signed oath of secrecy was also required by Freer from those who purchased the trick.