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. 

Rare & Scarce! Considered One of the MAK Magic “Holy Grail” Items to Own

The Effect

• 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

• 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. 

• 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.

Details & 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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Condition Disclosure for Rare & Vintage Collectible Magic Apparatus

PHOTOS

Please review all listing photos carefully, as they are an important part of the item description. The photos are intended to show the overall visual condition of the apparatus, including possible imperfections, paint quality, decals if applicable, shelf wear, performance wear, and age-related characteristics.

LABELS

MagicTrickCollection.com does not rely on broad condition labels such as “good,” “very good,” “excellent,” or “mint” for vintage and antique magic effects. These terms can be subjective and may mean different things to different collectors. Instead, we believe clear photos from multiple angles provide the most accurate way to evaluate condition without revealing the working secrets of the effect.

OLD VERSUS NEW

Items listed under Rare & Vintage Collectible Magic may range from 10 to 100 years old or more. These are not new magic props. They may show signs of age, handling, storage, repairs, fragility, paint loss, decal wear, or prior performance use.

If your intent is to perform with the item, please understand that some vintage apparatus may require careful handling, adjustment, and practice. This disclosure is provided to help ensure buyers understand they are purchasing a vintage collectible magic item with age, history, and character—not a newly manufactured prop.