Description

The shell design of the School for Scoundrels Shell Game Set was crafted by Whit Haydn to perfectly augment the use of our Perfect Peas. The pea we recommend, of course, is based on the hard rubber peas used by grifters since the 1860′s. These hard peas are superior to the foam, latex, and latex-covered foam peas favored by magicians during the last 50 years since they never wear out or lose their friction, and they can be used on any performing surface including glass, wood, or marble.

Whit’s shell design incorporates all of the little-known features of the true street artist. It is this that makes the use of the shells easier and more deceptive. These features include the Chanin Dip, a slight curve of the bottom of the shell that is barely noticeable. When the forefinger pushes down on the front of the shell (as in the picture above) the back of the shell lifts slightly making the exit of the pea smooth and effortless.

The entire outside back of each shell is rounded at a specific height that causes the pea to be pulled under the shell when the shell is moved back into contact. The inside back of each shell has a deep, flat, nearly perpendicular wall that prevents the shell from rolling on the pea when it is loaded and released. A more slanted surface is a serious flaw in some shell designs. At the back of the shell is a slight indentation that looks like the spot at which the twig would have been connected. This indentation gives the pea a little more room to exit the shell.

The front of the shells interior is angled so that the pea can be easily felt and controlled for moves like the roll flash. This design also makes possible the unique features of our magnetic shells–the pea can be picked up or released while under the shell with a tiny push forward or back. The special rare-earth magnet in each magnetic shell is actually molded into the pewter in the casting process before the shells are plated. It is located in the front of the shell in a position such that the pea can be picked up by the magnet, and yet retain contact with the table. When the shell is lifted, the pea has disappeared. When the shell is returned to the table, by pushing forward and slightly to the right or left, the pea can be rolled away from the magnet and released. At this point the shell can be lifted to show the pea, or the pea can be stolen from the shell, or if necessary, the shell can be pulled back so that the magnet is re-engaged.

The School for Scoundrels Shell Sets come in four makes–The Golden Shells, Magnetic Golden Shells, Antique Copper Shells, and The Street Shells, the latter of which are cast from plastic resins in a natural walnut-shell color. All of these shell sets are cast from the same model and have the same design features. The metal shells are cast of pewter and heavily plated in either QVC quality gold plate or antique copper. The extra weight of these shells is an asset in certain moves such as the Kick-Steal and the expensive look and feel makes them perfect for the most elegant of performing situations.

Underground legend and successful trade-show magician Bob Kohler notes that the gold-plated shells resemble expensive Godiva Chocolates wrapped in gold foil. At his trade shows, the ladies tend to come up to the shells and pick them up thinking they are premiums or “give-aways.” “What are these?” they ask. Bob says, “Let me show you…” and the show is off to a start. The Golden Shells have been used by top-of-the line performers such as Johnny Thompson, Lennart Green, Bob Sheets, Rich Marotta, Phil Cass, Paul Green, Gazzo and many others. The Antique Copper Shells are more suitable for certain performing situations, and show up especially well on television and video.

The Street Shells are lightweight and more suitable for less-formal performing situations, such as street work, restaurant, and walk-around. They are more easily carried in a jacket pocket.

All of our shell sets come complete with a suede carrying bag, and a set of our perfect peas.

Our Magnetic Golden Shells, Golden Shells, and Antique Copper Shells also include a shot glass that fits correctly over a shell.