I love the category “hacks” on this blog, which deals with fixing small problems in our magical life. This is one of those “hacks” that are intended to make a magician’s life more comfortable and more trouble-free.
The Mullica Wallet is a great thing. But then, the removal and the shifting of the signed card underneath the wallet sometimes makes trouble—also, the hiding of the slit of the smaller wallet. I loved the portfolio (s), and I hated it (for those reasons). Need to force me to continue to work on it for a solution. Both problems solved now in the «de Cova way».
To hide the slit, I put a Post-it note onto the small wallet with a shopping list, humorous comment (“The Card is Hidden in Here!” or some other crap), whatever. This note also serves as an additional mental misdirection later. The bill aligns precisely with the slit and overlaps (the wallet) a little bit. Then, this overlap will give you, even more, cover when you pull the signed card from the compartment.
The next thing I changed was the placement of the small wallet. I just lay it into the bigger wallet—no fumbling around trying to push the smaller one into the compartment. Just lay it in there, note side up.
Handling
With the signed card loaded underneath the bigger wallet, open it. With the other hand, remove the smaller portfolio.
The smaller wallet is removed, the bigger closed. Lower can be shown freely, the edge of Post-it note covers the slit.
At this point, you can show the smaller wallet from both sides, which you do. Meanwhile, the right hand closes the bigger wallet by flipping the left side over.
Now for the move that took me years (!) to figure out, even though it is so logical and self-evident. But then the tree and the forest thing. Or maybe only because I am a stupid and slow guy. 🙂
Instead of doing now all the complicated shifting of the signed card underneath that wallets (as written in those instructions), free you mind an do it the «de Cova way». The broader portfolio is placed merely on top of the smaller one, and you immediately turn over both wallets!
Now your signed card is loaded securely underneath the smaller one, which you can take (along with the signed card). Put the bigger wallet aside, open the small one and produce the card.
Sounds simple? It is! The 1 second it takes for the turnover is less noticed by the spectators than the fumbling underneath, trying to get the card from wallet to wallet. Give it a try, and I am sure you will use this. Thank you Tom Mullica, for giving us your brilliant wallet. And I have to thank myself for working on it and developing handling that makes me happy.
Share this at the Blackpool Convention (but only with the right and essential people) for the benefit of the other magicians! But don’t tell them it’s mine, pretend you invented this. Probably will get you a pint or two 😉