Topit
Encyclopedia
A Topit is a utility device used by magicians to dispose of objects secretly. It plays a similar role in the magician's toolkit to pulls, holdouts, servantes
, and techniques such as sleeving or lapping
. While the original Topit booklet by Patrick Page was put out by Davenports Magic Co. in London
decades ago, it was Michael Ammar who popularized the Topit with his refinement of Topit technique and inspired a number of well-known close-up magicians to adopt it.
A Topit is essentially a secret pocket sewn into a coat or sometimes a vest. It is a very large pouch
, the bottom of which tucks into the waistband of the performer's trousers, creating a more-or-less foolproof catching device. The performer can, by practicing various seemingly natural gestures, toss items into this pouch silently and covertly, and can later retrieve the item(s) from a visible pocket. It is sometimes used to cause an object to vanish, but some prefer to only use it to get rid of secret objects in a secret way.
Historically, Topits were employed by pickpockets and thieves during the 19th century. This primitive form of the topit was called the "Poacher's Pouch"
. The art of Topit has developed, like some other forms of magic, in symbiotic relationship between magicians and grifter
s, both considered sleight of hand
artists.
Servantes (magic)
Servantes are props used by magicians. They've been common objects ever since the very first magicians and many still can't do without. The earliest form is a simple open bag or pouch, often with a ring to keep it open, hanging from the magician's belt. Currently the most used form is a bag or...
, and techniques such as sleeving or lapping
Lapping (magic)
In the art of conjuring, lapping refers to a set of techniques whereby a performer seated at a table can secretly dispose of an item into his/her lap...
. While the original Topit booklet by Patrick Page was put out by Davenports Magic Co. in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
decades ago, it was Michael Ammar who popularized the Topit with his refinement of Topit technique and inspired a number of well-known close-up magicians to adopt it.
A Topit is essentially a secret pocket sewn into a coat or sometimes a vest. It is a very large pouch
Pouch
Pouch may refer to:* A small bag such as a pocket, teabag, money pouch, sporran, etc* Cadaver pouch, body bag * Diplomatic pouch* Electric heating pouch, medical apparatus, electric heating device for curative treatment...
, the bottom of which tucks into the waistband of the performer's trousers, creating a more-or-less foolproof catching device. The performer can, by practicing various seemingly natural gestures, toss items into this pouch silently and covertly, and can later retrieve the item(s) from a visible pocket. It is sometimes used to cause an object to vanish, but some prefer to only use it to get rid of secret objects in a secret way.
Historically, Topits were employed by pickpockets and thieves during the 19th century. This primitive form of the topit was called the "Poacher's Pouch"
. The art of Topit has developed, like some other forms of magic, in symbiotic relationship between magicians and grifter
Confidence trick
A confidence trick is an attempt to defraud a person or group by gaining their confidence. A confidence artist is an individual working alone or in concert with others who exploits characteristics of the human psyche such as dishonesty and honesty, vanity, compassion, credulity, irresponsibility,...
s, both considered sleight of hand
Sleight of hand
Sleight of hand, also known as prestidigitation or legerdemain, is the set of techniques used by a magician to manipulate objects such as cards and coins secretly....
artists.