~The Gary Michaels Magi & The Craft Grotto: George J. Cook's "Miracle Missile" (The Breakaway Table)




George J. Cook's "Miracle Missile," aka "The Breakaway Table" (circa 1959-63)
~ Only A Few Dozen Were Made ~


Unretouched pix of this masterpiece of early electronics, which was passed down to me in 2002 by my wife's uncle (the owner was Laura's late grandfather, C.L. Schmitt, Past International President of the IBM -- 1961-62).

In excellent working condition, considering that the only one I know of that still exists is Klosterman's -- which was broken by a not-so-nimble-fingered fellow magi; it should be mentioned that Ken's collection is considered by him to be "hands on" (if you're ever lucky enough to be invited). As such, I'm VERY glad that my wife didn't drop his original Robert-Houdin "Light/Heavy Box" when she proved to be able to lift it when I couldn't.

Includes the original instructions, the original shipping tube for the flower pot (in which rests the secret), and several extras as pictured below. The table's base is P&L but not hallmarked.

What works: The shooting card. All three sections of braid falling off of the table. Three of the five blooms falling off. The neon lights telling you that the table is electrified and where to stop the electronics' cycle before the next show.

What doesn't work: Two of the blooms and the wand flying off of the table. George Robinson of Viking/Collector's Workshop assures me that both are easily repaired. Additionally, the white rim of the pot is cracked. This may be simply repaired with Super Glue, but I leave that to the next owner, as the crack should make the workings of the flower pot more readily accessible to be fixed. The crack is visible at the rear of some of the flower pot pix below and in no way affects the trick's functioning.

So on with the pix!









































































Here's a very rare postcard Mr. Cook sent in 1949: "George J. Cook, member Magicians Guild Society American Magicians. Greetings Radio W2HEO. Playing cards, queen, royalty, shield, real photo. Used 1949 New York City. Grade III" (found at vintagepostcards.com: apparently Mr. Cook was a shortwave radio buff).




Comments? Queries? SPAM?




Get a GoStats hit counter






Opinions, Images and Design by Gary Michaels ~ Copyright ©2000-2009 ~ All Rights Reserved

No image on this page may be used without the express written consent of me. If you'd like to add any of these photos to your site, or publish any of them, please click just below the vanishing letter above and tell me why...