Dear Jinx Reader; I’ve been using this stunt for several years as a press and publicity effect. I can’t claim it for myself as it is a variation of several ways. Offhand I can think of four methods for doing a cut and restored card in envelope. I’ve never run across anyone using it so will not apologize more for its inclusion here.
When I use it, I ask for a business card as it is most effective when using the card of the witness. An ordinary letter size envelope is used and it is held open for the spectator to look into while he drops in his card. The envelope is sealed. Taking a pair of scissors, you clip one end from the envelope, shake out the card, and then cut the other end off so that the portion left is about an inch shorter than the card itself. Now you put the card back in this makeshift tube so that about a half inch of each end is sticking out.
Holding the envelope flatwise with the flap side up, your right hand takes the scissors and deliberately cuts the envelope in two, the left hand holding it so that the two pieces will not fall. I grip it firmly near one end with the left first and second fingers, and at the other between the thumb and third finger. Then I cut across between these two spots. The scissors are dropped and the envelope held up with the flap side towards the spectator, the pieces still together. Slowly they are pulled apart and the card is seen perfectly whole and returned to the spectator. The very strong part, of course, is that a borrowed card is used and its two ends are seen throughout.
The envelope is faked by first cutting a slit with a razor blade or sharp knife across the address side from the top to the bottom (except for about one-eighth of an inch) in the center. Now the address side and flap are cut from another envelope and inserted into the whole one, the flaps being glued together. This envelope can be shown carelessly if the slit on the back is covered, and the spectator sees nothing when he drops the card inside. After sealing, one end is cut off the envelope about an inch and a half to one side of the slit. The card is removed, and the other end cut off also an inch and a half on the other side of the slit. Now the card is reinserted, but in reality it goes through the back compartment on this occasion. Holding the envelope with the flap side up in the manner described above, the right hand takes the scissors. The lower and pointed side of the scissors is inserted under the envelope but above the card and the whole thing cut through. When the halves are then pulled apart, the card, whose ends have been constantly in view, is found unharmed.
I’ve used this so much, and found it to be such a perfect offhand trick for committees and newsmen that I’ve gone to the trouble of faking up envelopes except for the slit, and mailing them to myself. Tear off one end, insert cardboard and make the slit.
Take the envelope from your pocket, remove a dummy letter, and use the envelope for the stunt. You’ll find it well worth the small amount of trouble, and once used, you’ll keep it on hand most of the time.
For a title, we’ll just call it ‘The Card Unharmed’. Best, as always
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