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UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass

Scarce & Highly Collectible

Background

The UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass is a classic stage penetration illusion originally created by UF Grant and later manufactured by MAK Magic. It is known for its visual “impossibility” and the fact that it can be performed surrounded.

Ulysses Frederick Grant (1901–1978), popularly known as “UF Grant” and “Gen” Grant, was a prolific American magic inventor, dealer, and author. He is widely regarded as one of the most creative minds in 20th-century magic, known for a “no-frills” philosophy that favored simple, direct, and practical methods over complex sleight of hand.

The Effect

The Bamboo Chest & Glass routine typically follows these steps:

The Setup: The magician displays a decorated “Chinese” style bamboo chest and a tall glass tumbler of water or milk.
The Lockdown: The tumbler is placed inside the chest and locked into a holder in the center so it cannot move.
The Penetration: Four solid steel blades are pushed through the chest from different angles.
The Final Blow: A solid rod or pole is then pushed straight through the center of the chest from side to side—the exact spot where the glass is supposed to be.
The Reveal: Despite the blades and pole leaving no room for the glass, the magician removes them and opens the front of the cabinet to reveal the glass still in its original position, water intact.

Variations & Collectability

Vintage vs. Modern: Original U.F. Grant or early MAK Magic versions (circa 1962–1970s) are highly sought after by collectors. Vintage models often feature higher-quality wood and more detailed hand-painted designs compared to later mass-produced imports.

Condition

Used, some imperfections visible from age and performance on the chest and blade wooden handles. Pictures inform and provide the best visualization of the overall condition.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass illusion?+

The UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass is a classic stage penetration illusion where a glass tumbler filled with liquid is locked inside a bamboo chest, and despite being penetrated by blades and a rod, the glass remains intact.

Who was UF Grant and what is his significance in magic?+

Ulysses Frederick Grant, known as UF Grant, was a prominent American magic inventor and author, recognized for his creative contributions to magic in the 20th century, emphasizing simple and practical methods.

What should I look for when buying a vintage UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass?+

When purchasing a vintage UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass, examine the condition through detailed photos, noting any imperfections, paint quality, and age-related characteristics, as these factors significantly impact collectability.

How can I determine the value of a vintage magic trick like the Bamboo Chest & Glass?+

The value of a vintage magic trick like the Bamboo Chest & Glass is determined by factors such as age, condition, rarity, and the quality of materials used, with original models generally being more valuable.

Are there variations of the UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass?+

Yes, there are variations of the UF Grant Bamboo Chest & Glass, with original versions from the 1960s to 1970s being highly collectible, often featuring better craftsmanship compared to later mass-produced models.