Step into Magic: The Ernest Sewell Cabinet of Conjuring Tricks

Among the treasures of vintage entertainment, few items capture the imagination quite like The Ernest Sewell Cabinet of Conjuring Tricks. This elegant box set, likely dating from the 1930s to 1950s, embodies the golden age of parlor magic — when illusion, surprise, and a bit of sleight of hand brought wonder into drawing rooms across Britain.

The Man Behind the Magic

Ernest Sewell was a household name in British magic circles during the early to mid-20th century. Not only did he create and manufacture conjuring sets for budding magicians, but his performances were of such calibre that they were presented at Windsor Castle before members of the Royal Family — a fact proudly printed on the inside of each cabinet. The cabinet’s label also proclaims: “No practice required,” highlighting the accessibility of the tricks and the joy they could bring to both novice and seasoned conjurers alike.

Each set was "Entirely British Throughout," an important patriotic detail in post-war Britain, and the handsome maroon box often featured a photo of the bespectacled Ernest himself, with a facsimile signature and a short description of his prestigious magical credentials.

A Peek Inside the Cabinet

Open the lid and you're greeted by a perfectly arranged series of compartments, each housing mysterious objects in bright fabrics, curious shapes, and classic finishes. The set contains a variety of props — from metal rings and ropes to painted blocks, miniature roses, printed mazes, and hidden compartments.

Two standout tricks from this particular set include:

1. The Mystic Coin Box

One of the cleverest sleights in the cabinet, the Mystic Coin Box appears to allow a coin to disappear and reappear at will. The user places a coin into the gold-toned cylinder, covers it, and with a quick wave or distraction — the coin is gone. The trick relies on cleverly constructed compartments and a false bottom, offering a satisfying “aha!” moment to those who dare reveal the secret.

2. The Enchanted Ball Bag

This trick features a drawstring bag and a small ball. The magician places the ball into the bag, ties it tightly, and shakes it — only to reveal the ball has vanished. Unbeknownst to the audience, a hidden inner lining and a sneaky bit of misdirection make this simple effect utterly delightful.

Other curios in the set include a magnetic horseshoe illusion, a string escape challenge, and paper rose transpositions — all rooted in classical magic principles like misdirection, concealment, and clever mechanics.

Why This Set Matters Today

While many modern magic sets are made of plastic and lack the charm of old-school showmanship, the Ernest Sewell Cabinet stands as a beautiful piece of design, nostalgia, and entertainment history. It evokes a time when performance was personal and craft was king. Collectors, historians, and amateur magicians alike treasure these sets for their craftsmanship and their link to a more theatrical, imaginative era.

So if you ever come across a Sewell set in an antique shop or tucked away in an attic, don’t pass it by — there may be a little magic left inside.