Unlocking the Secrets of Card to Wallet Techniques

This comprehensive guide showcases Marlo’s innovative methods for executing the card-to-wallet effect, blending his Exclusive Card in Wallet (1961) with techniques from Ibidem, Hierophant, Card Finesse, Marlo’s Magazine, and other previously unpublished insights. These materials were uncovered in a folder among Marlo’s personal belongings.

The concept of making a chosen card vanish from the deck only to reappear in a different location is nearly as ancient as the cards themselves. Research by Reinhard Müller reveals that the foundational effect known as “Card Found in Some Object” has roots dating back to the 17th century. For instance, Müller identified the “Card in Mirror” effect in a 1690 publication by Eberhard Welper. Jack Potter compiled an extensive 58-page reference list featured in The Master Index to Magic in Print.

The art of making a card magically appear in a wallet has a rich history. As noted by Bart Whaley, the original method involving a stooge was exposed as early as 1790, with Gale revealing it again in 1800 as “The Card in the Pocket-book.” This method persisted into the late 19th century, with Hercat promoting it under the same title in 1897. A new approach, utilizing a forced card and a duplicate hidden in the wallet, was likely devised by Professor Morris Loewy, first published by Hatton & Plate in 1910. Loewy later taught this technique to S. Leo Horowitz. By around 1918, 15-year-old John Scarne developed a modern version involving palming the chosen (and signed) card into a specially designed wallet. He claims to have debuted this method during a Houdini show at the Roosevelt Theater in 1924 or 1925. Jerry Mentzer’s Card to Wallet: The Book, published in 1991, remains the most comprehensive resource on contemporary methods, detailing the primary gaffed wallets by Le Paul, Himber-Bombshell, and Mullica.

Al Baker’s technique first appeared in Bill McCaffery’s publication in the Sphinx (October – 1930). Scarne’s later adaptation, featuring the so-called Marlo Wedge, was introduced in 1938. The concept of “guides” to assist in card loading has historical ties to early tricks involving nested purses or containers. Over time, various “guides” or “wedges” have been utilized, including leather flaps, plastic components, cardboard slides, and even coins. Ed Balducci presented a version incorporating a notepad in Hugard’s Magic Monthly (April – 1958). Keith Bennett later replaced the notepad with a plastic guide, marketing the “KB-Balducci Wallet” in Birmingham, England. In 1961, Ed Marlo privately sold a wallet and manuscript (Exclusive Card in Wallet) that employed a coin as a guide to facilitate easy loading. The concept was later shared with Fred Kaps by Ken Brooke in 1974, who released “The Working Performer’s Card in Wallet,” giving credit to Balducci. That same year, Emerson and West introduced “The Pocket Secretary,” designed similarly.

While we await a definitive work dedicated to the Card to Wallet theme, this exploration aims to inspire your creativity and encourage experimentation with the wallets you have on hand.

[Please note that although Jon mentions photos in the ebook, none are included at this time. We believe the text will still capture your interest, which is why we are releasing it as is. Jon plans to add the photos later, and all customers will be able to download the updated version once available.]