Peter Warlock Glass Penetration

Extremely Rare 1950 – Vintage & Collectible

The “Peter Warlock glass penetration” refers to a classic magic illusion, where a solid object like a needle and ribbon appears to pass through an undeniably solid sheet of glass, which is then removed and shown to be unharmed. The name “Soft Glass” was a marketing term used for versions of the trick. The exact method for this illusion is a protected trade secret known only to those who purchase the specific apparatus and instructions, as is customary with commercial magic effects. The principles are not publicly revealed in detail, but the effect relies on a specially designed and engineered wooden frame and a single solid sheet of glass.

The Effect

The illusion, often called the “Glass (Quadruple) Penetration” or “English Glass Penetration”, plays out as follows:

Setup: A solid sheet of real glass is displayed within a wooden frame, sometimes divided into four sections by the frame’s design. The glass is shown to be solid, often by tapping it with a wand or other object.
Penetration: Shutters or panels with pre-cut holes are placed over the frame, covering the glass. A large needle, rod, or a ribbon threaded through a needle is then pushed through the holes, seemingly passing right through the glass within the frame.
Conclusion: After the penetration (often done multiple times in different spots), the shutters are removed, and the single sheet of glass is lifted out of the frame and immediately handed out for examination, proving it is completely intact and solid, without any holes or damage.

Key Components

The secret lies entirely within the sophisticated apparatus itself, specifically the engineered frame and its interaction with the single sheet of glass:

Apparatus: The frame is cleverly designed to create the illusion of a full, solid glass pane at all times while covertly allowing the penetration of the needle/ribbon at specific moments.
Misdirection and Presentation: The magician’s patter (such as “softening the glass”) and handling of the apparatus are essential to guide the audience’s attention and make the effect convincing.

The illusion is highly regarded within the magic community for its deceptive design and the strength of the final reveal, where the unprepared glass is examined by the audience.

Reference

For comparison, this is the most recent sale I could locate of this effect listed on MagicCollectibles.com, click HERE

Condition

This is a Brad Staggs very professionally refurnished original Peter Warlock Glass Penetration. It includes the quadruple-door frame, single pane of un-gimmicked glass and one needle with a ribbon. Sorry, no instructions, however the side not facing the audience should present the obvious method.

Large and heavy prop, base measures 17.25″ x 4″, the frame itself resting on the base is 14″ square.

This will be very carefully packaged to protect the pane of glass and ensure safe delivery to your location.

Steven Warburton

A former practicing magician and escape artist, Steven Warburton has spent more than four decades as a dedicated magic collector. Leveraging a long-standing passion for web design and digital marketing, he has developed and managed numerous business and eCommerce websites. Professionally, Steven has built a 40-year career in the telecommunications and broadband industry, serving in executive leadership roles with leading Internet and broadband providers across the United States.