De-constructed
The original Magic 8 Ball, reborn as a table-top mentalism masterpiece.
Before you sits a small wooden box, 4 x 4 inches and 3 inches deep. It’s very
old. Circa 1920s. Found at an estate sale in New Orleans. A bizarre artifact
from days long gone. Inside this old box is the original Magic 8 Ball. Sort
of. Back then, it was a Magic 8 Ball Cube, used by fortune tellers, mystics,
and mediums.
You open the box and reveal six individual wooden plaques, approximately 3 x 3
inches each. Each plaque bears a single question engraved into the wood, the
engraving filled with its own distinct color, so each of the six questions is
instantly recognizable by color alone once the cube is assembled.
You talk about the provenance of the artifact as you casually assemble the
plaques into a cube using a few tiny wooden dowels to lock it together.
Assembling the cube activates the werks inside. It connects via Bluetooth to
the ArcaneHub app, silently signaling which question the cube lands on
straight to your phone or smartwatch in real time. No box, no shroud, nothing
to hide. The cube can be examined freely.
How it plays:
Have the spectator twirl the cube in their hands like a Magic 8 Ball until
they choose to stop. They look down at the question resting face-up and
remember it. You already know it, seemingly through nothing but the object
itself.
What’s included:
– De-constructed artifact box with all six wooden plaques and locking dowels
– Full performance script and handling notes
Prefer not to use your phone or watch mid-performance? De-constructed pairs
with an optional standalone remote receiver, sold separately, working as a
silent thumper so you can get your reading without ever glancing at a screen.
In a mentalism setting, this is a devastating hot reading: you answer a
question you could not possibly know, or reveal it with theatrical flair, no
fishing, no peeking, no gimmicked box. We believe the concept of an antique
cube assembled at the table is the ultimate evolution of this effect. The look
of the artifact is beyond reproach, the werks are easy as cake, and the
reactions are priceless.



Vince Wilson (store manager) –
I just want thank Chris Sipes for the amazing work he did in recreating Dr. Pritchard’s Box of Poison. It is handcrafted solid wood and has amazing secrets! Chris’ talent in technology allows you to see the final reveals from across the room. Amazing! Also, it includes an HH Holmes package inside. OH! It also has more reveals than ever. If you get one, IM me and I will tell you how to add more! Truly a marvel and I think easily customizable for any show. Make it a Ripper box, Titanic, Chicago Gangsters, witchcraft and more!
stephen.hill (verified owner) –
Whilst I have yet to “play” with my Poison Box (neighbours and locals beware!), I endorse Vince’s comments where I can. Most importantly of all, it really LOOKS authentic – but then, of course, it really did come from Holmes ‘s Murder Castle(!?!). It’s the sort of prop which adds the right amount of “atmosphere” to a performance; a mixture of intrigue, puzzlement, authenticity whist being ‘unsettling’. It’s very well constructed and aged. Importantly, it doesn’t betray the devilment that hides inside. As with all such props, it is what you the performer makes of it and with it that matters. Open the box and let it lead you – if you dare.