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Anyone had dealings with them? Thoughts? Thanks!

Anyone had dealings with them? Thoughts? For one brief and shining moment, I thought you were referring to the company of that name from Evanston, Illinois that used to sell magic back in the middle of the last century. You had me wishing for my youth again. Best, Ray

Anyone had dealings with them? Thoughts? If you're talking about http://www.tophatprod.com/magic then I'd say okay. Bruce Kalver is a good guy. Talked to him just this past Friday.

Anyone had dealings with them? Thoughts? For one brief and shining moment, I thought you were referring to the company of that name from Evanston, Illinois that used to sell magic back in the middle of the last century. You had me wishing for my youth again. Best, Ray Ray, I swear you're my long lost uncle (I'm too ugly to be your brother).  When I read that header Top Hat Magic Company my heart almost jumped through my chest.  I, too, did business with them...until around 1974 or 75 I believe.  Weren't those old paper catalogs the greatest

I wish someone would open a good old fashioned magic shop. Mitch, You and me both. What we need first are a heap of good old fashioned magicians. Too many of today's magi complain about the fact that a magic ad is written to describe it from the spectator's point of view and not the magician's. When an ad states that no wires are used and they find out something similar is used, they get upset and come to these public forums complaining. In the words of an old and dear friend, How else? When the ad states that the milk vanishes, are they disappointed that it is really just hidden? Do they complain when the newspaper is not really restored but only appears to be that way? Top Hat Magic in Evanston, Illinois had a wonderful black and white saddle stitched catalog that would be sent to you for a thin dime. Only 10c to get the world's greatest magic catalog. Douglas Magicland was another of those saddle stitched catalogs with a glossy cover. They always had a floating lady on the cover with a turbaned magician running a hoop over her. The House of 1000 Mysterys catalog was a perfect bound catalog with the largest selection of practial jokes and magic ever assembled in one place. Vic's son has been in contact with me. He wants to make up a nostalgic CD with all of the old catalogs scanned and indexed. Johnson-Smith is still around but not like it used to be. Mostly jokes and novelties these days and very little magic. They are up to the times with a web site.  http://www.johnsonsmith.com/website/aspfiles/home.asp Those were the good old days. Each trick came with mimeographed instructions that were barely adequate. We had to figure out the exact workings and sometimes even rework the trick to make it do what it was intended. I had to remake many a gaffe or gimmick in my day. If that happens to some of today's magicians, the howling can be heard around the world. Best Always, Ray