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Peter Warlock Glass Penetration

Name: Peter Warlock Glass Penetration | MagicTrickCollection.com
Brand: Peter Warlock
Price: 895 USD
Availability: InStock

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.

Glass Penetration 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 – Peter Warlock Glass Penetration

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

Review of the Peter Warlock Glass Penetration by Martin’s Magic – Martin’s Magic Review

Details

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.

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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.