From the Collection

Milson-Worth

The Rolls-Royce of Magic

Milson-Worth Magic represents a distinctive chapter in American magic apparatus craftsmanship. Formed in the mid-1970s through the merging of Charlie Johnson’s Milson Magic with the Worth Magic line originally created by Jim Simon, the company brought together two traditions of fine, hand-finished wooden apparatus. After Simon’s passing, Charlie’s son, Lynn Johnson, unified the operations and continued production under the Milson-Worth name.

Working from California, Milson-Worth became known for limited-run, thoughtfully engineered props—tabletop illusions, die boxes, card frames, and specialty pieces—each built with precision woodworking, crisp mechanics, and the bold paintwork and pinstriping that have become its signature. These were apparatus designed for performers, yet crafted with a level of care that naturally places them among today’s most desirable collectible magic items.

For collectors, Milson-Worth marks a moment where traditional construction met modern sensibility: familiar principles housed in striking, durable designs. The examples shown here stand as artifacts of that era—well-made, characterful pieces that continue to reflect the artistry and ingenuity that define the Milson-Worth legacy.

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Milson-Worth Collection

Chinese Flame Clock, ca. 1970s

A lit candle is placed in a decorative red cabinet. Two large blades are pushed through, cutting across its center. When the doors are opened, the middle section of the candle has vanished. The process is reversed, and the candle emerges intact. Milson-Worth’s version of the Massey original, finely finished and in excellent condition.
Die Box

A die vanishes from within the small wooden box and reappears elsewhere. Includes sucker sliding sound effect. Black Lucite die, 2 ¼” and metal shell. Walnut cabinet with brass hardware.
Astro Ball Cabinet, ca. [?]

A beautifully ornamented cabinet is shown to be empty by opening both back and front doors. A solid orange ball is placed on one side of the cabinet's floor, and an empty cocktail glass, on the other side. The doors are closed and upon reopening the ball has mysteriously arrived in the glass.
Silk Cabby, ca. 1980s

A finely crafted utility prop from Milson-Worth, built in their signature style with lacquered finish and crisp hand-painted detailing. The cabinet is first shown empty, yet the magician can immediately produce a cascade of silks from within. Surface wear, otherwise in very good condition.
Color Cube Release, ca. 1970s

Two selected colored blocks penetrate off of a solid metal rod threaded through the box and the blocks.
Catalog #3, 1985

A 36-page catalog, printed on glossy stock, showcases the range and detail of Milson-Worth’s offerings, capturing a pivotal moment in magic history. Includes price list, $5 mail-order coupon, order sheet, and reply envelope.
Fantastic Frame, ca. 1980s

A group of silks are produced and tied to a rod running through an open, pagoda-style frame. The decorative door is closed, and reopened to show the silks clearly in place. They are then removed one by one and vanished. The door is closed again briefly—and when reopened, the silks have magically returned to the rod.
Coin of the Realm, ca. 1970s

A beautiful wooden case contains a sheet of glass. A coin passes through the glass as if it were made of sand. Black walnut and brass. Measures 4 x 3 x 1 ¼”. Near fine condition. From The Ken Klosterman Collection.
Arm Chopper, ca. 1970s

The blade of the solid metal guillotine passes through a spectator's arm without harm. Wear to paint and veneer, otherwise in very good and fully operational condition.
Transcendental Half, ca. 1970s

A small walnut box with a hinged lid and slots on top and bottom is shown and examined. A clear plastic insert completely blocks the lower slot, making passage through the box impossible—or so it seems. Yet when a borrowed half dollar is dropped into the upper slot, it penetrates the solid plastic and falls through the bottom.
Improved Final Card

Sixteen cards from a shuffled deck go on display on the color wheel backs out. Spectators eliminate cards by choosing colors. One by one, cards are removed until only one remains…The final card? The exact one predicted from the very beginning.
Balloon to Bunny

A large balloon placed in a cage bursts… and POOF! — a live rabbit appears! Beautifully crafted in classic MW style.