Jimmy King’s Turkish Turmoil

Turkish Turmoil is a classic stage magic effect created by Jimmy King, popularized through MAK Magic and U.F. Grant.

The Effect

The Turkish Turmoil performance typically involves a “penetration” or “slicing” illusion using a tube and daggers:

The Setup: The magician introduces a tube (often metal or decorated with a “Turkish” theme).
The Action: Two gleaming daggers are thrust through slots in the side of the tube.
The Reveal: The tube is then opened on its hinges to show the daggers visibly intersecting the space inside, seemingly making it impossible for anything to occupy the center.
The Magic: Despite the daggers blocking the interior, an object (such as a silk or a solid item) is often shown to have passed through or remains unharmed within the tube.

Historical Context

Origins: The Turkish Turmoil trick is attributed to Jimmy King, who was a key figure in the early days of MAK Magic.
Evolution: Earlier versions of the trick featured a square metal tube, which collectors believe preceded the more common round tube used in later MAK Magic productions.
Rarity: Vintage units, often dating back to the late 1960s, are considered collectible items in the magic community.

Background

Jimmy King (born 1937) is a professional magician, inventor, and businessman best known as the owner of MAK Magic and a primary developer of its stage illusions.

Professional Career and MAK Magic

Jimmy King’s career is inextricably linked to the legacy of U.F. Grant, one of the most prolific creators in magic history.

Entrance into Magic: King first developed an interest in magic as a child after visiting Al’s Magic Shop in Washington, D.C..
Partnership with Grant: In 1964, he married Mary Anne Grant (the daughter of Gen Grant) and joined the family business.
Leadership: When U.F. Grant retired, King took over operations and renamed the company MAK Magic (an acronym representing the names of family members, including Mary Anne and King).
Inventive Contributions: King was a skilled mechanic and designer, responsible for refining many of Grant’s original concepts into high-quality production units.

Notable Magic Inventions

King is credited with several iconic stage and parlor effects that are still sought after by magic collectors:

Turkish Turmoil: An enhancement of the “Spikes Thru Balloon” effect, where he redesigned the apparatus into a decorated metal tube.
Jimmy King’s Block Vanish: A “sucker-style” vanish of a solid wood block, noted for its clever mechanics that allow the audience to see through the empty box afterward.
Other Effects: His portfolio includes Captain Kidd’s Treasure Chest, the Crystal Card Watch, the Imperial Rice, and the Orange and Checkers illusion.

Condition & Acquisition Information

This 1970’s circa Turkish Turmoil apparatus is considered one the several “Holy Grail” items for magic collectors and is one of the rarest props to locate, especially in good condition.

The pictures for this Turkish Turmoil show a 360 degree rotation of the prop to view all sides and are a representation of the condition. As visualized, this item reflects areas of imperfections and wear from age and most likely performance use. Your acquisition includes as shown, the main decorated hinged tube, two knifes with wooden handles with attached tassels and a copy of the instructions.

Additional MAK Magic Magic Apparatus Located HERE

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