THE MAIL BAG ESCAPE - HEAVYDUTY

The performer allows volunteers to inspect a heavy duty canvas bag with metal grommets at the top and a solid steel bar with holes on each end. Everything passes inspection. The escape artist is then placed inside the bag and the bar is placed through the grommets. Padlocks (they can be borrowed) are used to lock both ends of the bar. The keyholes can even be sealed. The performer is then placed out of sight. Yet in only a few moments, he has escaped! And the bag is still locked! Use this at your local newspaper office for publicity or in conjunction with another escape. Available as a complete set, or bars or bag only. Two identical bars are included: one normal, one gaffed.  This is the best quality and most heavy duty mail bag & bars available today! 

• Please specify complete set, bag or bars only.
• Custom sizes available.

CANNON'S INSPECTABLE PILLORY ESCAPE©

A tall, hardwood pillory, such as the type used in Colonial America, is FULLY INSPECTED by a volunteer from the audience. The stocks and all four padlocks are found to be extremely secure. The escape artist’s head and wrists are then locked in place. The assistant raises a curtain (not included), hiding the escape artist. THREE SECONDS LATER the curtain falls to the floor and the performer has escaped! Or, the assistant and magician have changed places!

• Custom built. Please specify performer’s height, neck size and wrist size.

THE LEON PILLORY! Authorized 2007 Version by Cannon & McColl

POSEY REGULATION STRAIT JACKET

This is the real deal. Posey is famous for their straight jackets. This restraint features very durable canvas, which will last for years of use, four back straps, a sleeve strap and a crotch strap. All buckles are the spring friction type. Additionally, these jackets have two side loops and a belly loop for additional security. Currently used in mental wards. Because it is genuine, complete inspection is possible. Sold for entertainment purposes only.

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

Special Offer #1 - "Escape Magic by Scott Interrante" Video discounted with the purchase of a Posey Regulation Strait Jacket with Friction Buckles.

Special Offer #2 - John Novak's "Escapes From a Strait Jacket" Book discounted with the purchase of any strait jacket.

POSEY "OLD STYLE" ROLLER BUCKLE STRAIT JACKET

For many years, the Posey strait jacket featured grommets and roller buckles, instead of the modern "spring friction" type buckles.  Since converting to the modern design, the much sought after "old style" has been discontinued.  One reason that escape artists liked the grommet & roller buckle, (in addition to the overall appearance) was that it was "spectator friendly", thus making it quicker and easier for the volunteer to strap in the performer.  WE NOW OFFER THE "OLD STYLE" POSEY, MADE FROM AN AUTHENTIC POSEY STRAIT JACKET, AND UTILIZING THE VERY SAME BRAND OF GROMMETS & ROLLER BUCKLES!  NO "CHEAP KNOCK-OFF HARDWARE"!  Additionally, this jacket features NO side loops or belly loops.  Complete inspection is possible. Sold for entertainment purposes only.

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

Special Offer - John Novak's "Escapes From a Strait Jacket" Book discounted with the purchase of any strait jacket.

GIMMICKED POSEY ROLLER BUCKLE STRAIT JACKET WITH BELLY & SIDE LOOPS©

After 100 years of performing the strait jacket escape, it's time for an updated change!  You exhibit a MAXIMUM SECURITY Posey strait jacket COMPLETE WITH A BELLY LOOP AND TWO SIDE LOOPS.  Unlike most strait jackets, once secured, it is impossible to raise your arms over your head!  Volunteers then strap you into the jacket, MAKING SURE THAT YOUR ARMS ARE TRULY LACED THROUGH ALL THREE LOOPS.  They even double check the loops to make sure that they aren't somehow gimmicked to release.  Additionally, they inspect all buckles (back, arms, and crotch) to make sure they are truly secured.  Regardless of this seemingly helpless situation, THE PERFORMER ESCAPES RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE AUDIENCE!  Use this one in conjunction with the Posey Prisoner Transport Jacket (below) for an astonishing escape!  Give other strait jacket performers something to think about.  Created by Mark Cannon.    

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

Special Offer - John Novak's "Escapes From a Strait Jacket" Book discounted with the purchase of any strait jacket.

PRISONER TRANSPORT JACKET

Here's something different.  This prisoner transport jacket was designed to be placed over the person's torso and arms.  Unlike a traditional strait jacket, there are no arms.  The back is secured with straps with grommets and roller buckles, as well as Velcro straps.  There are two strap "handles" on either side.  Additionally, it features a crotch strap.  Use this device as a stand alone escape, or use it in conjunction with the Gimmicked Posey Roller Buckle Strait Jacket with Belly & Side Loops above for a truly unexplainable escape.    

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

OLD STYLE GIMMICKED LEATHER & CANVAS STRAITJACKET

Probably the handsomest straitjacket built today. Unlike most modern “canvas-only” strait jackets, this one is styled after the jackets used at the turn of the century, during Houdini’s day. The combination of leather, suede, canvas and buckles make for a very impressive restraint. A brief inspection is possible with proper misdirection. Even so, because of the clever design, the escapologist quickly extricates himself IN FULL VIEW OF THE AUDIENCE. Instructions are included showing how to ungimmick the jacket to make it completely legitimate, if desired.

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

Special Offer - John Novak's "Escapes From a Strait Jacket" Book discounted with the purchase of any strait jacket.

MODERN STYLE GIMMICKED STRAITJACKET

It looks like the real thing! A very heavy canvas strait jacket with three leather back straps with buckles and a webbed crotch strap with friction buckle. A brief inspection is possible with proper misdirection. Even so, because of the clever design, the escapologist quickly extricates himself IN FULL VIEW OF THE AUDIENCE. The best attraction of this strait jacket is that it is gimmicked, but rather than having an "old world" look, the gimmick is incorporated into a MODERN STYLE strait jacket, and 

These are available nowhere else. Get yours today! 

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

Special Offer - John Novak's "Escapes From a Strait Jacket" Book discounted with the purchase of any strait jacket.

• Available in SM, MED, LG & XL

INSPECTABLE STEEL STRAITJACKET

Remember Tony Curtis as Houdini? Volunteers first fully inspected a solid steel strait jacket, and then locked him into it with their own padlocks. Houdini (Curtis) then escaped! The good news is, now you can, too! This cleverly tricked jacket is custom built to your size. With a little bit of misdirection to cover the secret, you can even escape in full view of the audience. Created by Ian McColl.

• Please email us for sizing instructions.

THE IRON MASK©

TOM HORN LEATHER PRISONER TRANSPORT BELT©

Tom Horn was a famous cowboy who was allegedly framed for murder by the cattle barons and subsequently hung. Legend has it that he was trussed up in leather and chain restraints while being led to the gallows. This very heavy leather belt buckles at your back. Your arms are then laced through two sets of chains and two wide leather loops. The chains are then padlocked. In this situation, your arms are secured in a strait jacket like fashion. You then put on quite a struggle as you VISUALLY ESCAPE IN FULL VIEW OF THE AUDIENCE. The device can be completely inspected by a spectator—BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER BEING PLACED ON THE PERFORMER—for there is nothing to find, unlike similar belts with gimmicked handcuffs attached. The escape completely utilizes technique, rather than gaffs. UNIQUE!

DAVY JONES BELT©2008

Similar in almost every way to the Tom Horn Belt, but with one major difference:  The Davy Jones Belt is constructed to withstand water!  Belt is made of a Nylon type material, stainless steel chains and nuts and bolts, Marine Padlocks, etc.  The rest is the same: The  belt is fastened at your back. Your arms are then laced through the two sets of chains and two wide loops. The chains are then padlocked. In this situation, your arms are secured in a strait jacket like fashion. You then put on quite a struggle as you VISUALLY ESCAPE IN FULL VIEW OF THE AUDIENCE. The device can be completely inspected by a spectator—BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER BEING PLACED ON THE PERFORMER—for there is nothing to find, unlike similar belts with gimmicked handcuffs attached. The escape completely utilizes technique, rather than gaffs. UNIQUE!

EXTRA HEAVY DUTY LEATHER MUFF WITH ATTACHED WRISTLETS

This is the REAL McCoy! As an alternative to a strait jacket, the “Leather Muff” was invented several years ago. Here’s the deal: a LARGE (15 inches) leather Muff is placed around the patient (or Escape Artist’s) arms. Each wrist is first strapped into its own, individual padded wrist strap. (These two wrist straps are secured to the INSIDE of the Muff). Next, the Muff is wrapped around the lower arms, wrists and hands, thus completely encapsulating them. Lastly, the Muff itself is secured closed when a leather belt is laced through three steel “belt loops”. The leather belt is then wrapped around the waist and secured at the performer’s back, thus securing the wrists and arms at the belly. NOW THE VISUAL STRUGGLE IS ON! If you are looking for an escape that you can do in front of an audience, but different than the strait jacket or Tom Horn Belt, this is it. BUT YOU ARE GOING TO WORK!   

MILK CAN HASPS

A McColl/Cannon creation ©2006

These are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the Cannon/Osborne Milk Can Escape Plans.  Manufactured from lazer-cut, stainless steel, they incorporate McColl's secret gaff to permit escape.  They measure (overall) approximately nine inches, and feature a tapering design that looks beautiful on the top of the Milk Can's lid.  Additionally, they can be slightly bent to conform to the "domed" shape of the lid.  Sold in lots of six.  See Escape Workshop Plans listed elsewhere.    

CHAIN ATTACHMENT PLATE©

A McColl creation ©2004

A WONDERFUL, new device that allows you to escape from the inside of a chained and locked container! The Chain Attachment Plate (C.A.P.) is a piece of hardware that is permanently bolted or riveted (your choice) to a container such as a wooden trunk, steel drum, barrel, etc. This hardware serves as the anchor point for a length of heavy-duty chain to be attached to the container's lid, sides, etc. With you on the inside of the container, the committee then locks the chains from the lid to the chains from the container's side with their own padlock. How many chains that are on the container is entirely up to you. EVEN THOUGH YOU CANNOT REACH, OR EVEN SEE THE CHAINS AND PADLOCK ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CONTAINER, YOU IMMEDIATELY ESCAPE! Everything quickly re-sets so that after your escape, the container, chains, padlock-everything may again bear examination! We provide you with the "secret ingredient", you provide the container! This device is so mechanically perfect you will have fun just playing with it! Once you own a couple of C.A.P.'s, your imagination will run wild with ideas.

SIGHT-UNSEEN INSPECTABLE COMBINATION LOCKING HASP©

A Mark Cannon Creation

Have you seen these large (6 inch) hasps with a COMBINATION DIAL LOCK in place where you normally find a U shaped padlock shackle? The hasp closes over the combination dial and post. The combo-dial and post is then revolved 180° to secure the hasp in place. The correct combo must then be dialed to allow the button on the side of the post to depress. Once that has occurred, the combo-post can be revolved back to its original position, thus allowing the hasp to swing open.

NOW FOR THE GOOD PART: Yes, it has had a "certain something" done to it that allows the following to occur: First, a spectator tries to open it and he can't (he can't even depress the button, let alone turn the post). But he is then provided with the correct combination, and then HE opens the lock and hasp. Next, YOU are locked into (as an example) a steel cage. The hasp is in such a position as to place the combination dial COMPLETELY OUT OF SIGHT of the performer. The spectator locks the hasp, turns the comb-post, spins the dial, etc. He then tests it, and it is secure. HOWEVER, YOU DEMONSTRATE YOUR ABILITY TO CRACK COMBINATION LOCKS THROUGH "FEEL" ALONE! The audience watch as your fingers manipulate the combination dial SIGHT-UNSEEN and successfully open the hasp and thus free yourself from the cage!

The above scenario is only provided as an example. The use of this device is only limited by your imagination.  

GIMMICKED HASP

A McCOLL CREATION 

Why is a heavy-duty, seven inch hasp and shackle featured under "Spectacular Escapes"?  Because YOU can use these fantastically gimmicked devices almost any way you can think!  Imagine, being placed into a LEGITIMATE packing case that your sponsor built, and then locked in with THEIR OWN GENUINE PADLOCKS!  Yet, you IMMEDIATELY escape.  You do not have to be able to access the hasps.  No, these do not use the "loose pin" theory.  Yes, they will stand a moderate examination, and even more so once they are locked shut with the padlock.  They come complete with the hasp and staple.  We recommend that you purchase two sets, so you will be ready for most lids, container escapes, etc.   

GIMMICKED MARINE SHACKLE

A McCOLL CREATION

Marine shackles are generally used as a "tie-down" for securing large items.  However, these heavy duty "marine shackles" are ingeniously gimmicked to allow whatever is tied, locked, or otherwise restrained to quickly become UN-RESTRAINED!  Imagine the possibilities:  You are placed into a container, and the lid is locked on at the top with several chains.  These same chains are secured at the bottom of the container with these special marine shackles.  WITHOUT HAVING TO ACCESS THE MARINE SHACKLES, you are immediately out!  These are three inches long, heavy-duty, and will pass moderate examination.  Ingenious, and very well made.  Buy enough to secure your container with several chains, nylon webbing, etc.  

GIMMICKED “IRBY” HINGE—McCOLL CRAFTSMANSHIP

Irby was an ingenious escape artist in the 1950’s. Among his creations was the “Irby Hinge Principle”. With this concept, the hinge could pass RUGGED, HANDS-ON EXAMINATION. Yet, the hinge still “does the work” necessary to allow quick escape. Imagine the possibilities: You are placed into a container (such as a crate or wooden barrel), and the HINGED LID is closed, and locked in place with the challenger’s padlock. (Note: the hinge is on the OUTSIDE of the box—you are on the inside). YET IN A MATTER OF SECONDS YOU ARE OUT! And the lid is still locked and once again examinable at the finish. The large hinges are a MASSIVE 10 inches long, and 4 inches wide at the widest point. The small hinges are 6 inches long, and 3 1/2 inches wide at the widest point. Once again, Mr. McColl takes a good idea and makes it GREAT with his fine craftsmanship. Ingenious, and very well made.   

SELBIT* SAWING RESTRAINTS

A McCOLL & CANNON CREATION © 2002

If you are familiar with the famous "Selbit" Sawing in half illusion, then you probably have an idea what these restraints can do. Apply the principle to any escape where you need to have your assistant or yourself strapped and buckled inside a box, etc. Ankles at one end, neck at the other.  A chain (or leather strap) is secured to each restraint, fed through a hole in the box, and the end given to an audience member to hold and pull on while the performer is inside the box. Yet, while they hold the ropes, the performer is cut in half, escapes, vanishes, etc. But at any time the performer can INSTANTLY be seen to be still secured in the original position. At the conclusion, the performer - still restrained- must be unbuckled! The security of this very professional unit can be demonstrated before the illusion begins by allowing a spectator to pull HARD on the leather strap, while you just hold the opposite side of the strap. 

Note:  The standard unit comes ready to be used in conjunction with your Selbit Sawing illusion.  However, special requests for your specific escape, illusion, etc., can be manufactured.    

*The Selbit illusion was created by P.T. Selbit and first performed January 17, 1921.  Several illusion companies manufacture the illusion today.

PSYCHIC PENETRATION

Performed by Spiritualists in the Mid-19th Century, (as well as Spirit De-Bunkers, such as Harry Cooke) this was known as the "Ring on Rope" Spirit Manifestation.  As you may know, the Art of Escape first derived from the Spiritualism movement.  Here is the effect:  Spectators closely examine a length of rope, and a 4 inch diameter plastic ring.  Both items are TRULY genuine - no gimmicks.  They then securely tie the rope around each of the performer's wrists.  Even the knots are wrapped with tape, and initialed.  The ring is then handed to the performer.  A cloth is then draped over his hands.  Only a moment later, the cloth is whisked away to reveal that the RING IS NOW THREADED ON THE ROPE!  The knots, tape and initials all still check secure. In fact, the rope must be cut (or untied) to release the ring!  Again, all can be handed out for thorough examination, as there is truly nothing to discover.  Note:  Rather than covering with a cloth, with a little practice, you can simply turn around for about two seconds, or walk behind a spectator, etc., and- Voila'- the Ring is on the Rope!  Fits perfectly into an escape act.  Mentalists and magicians will enjoy it too.    Manufactured by Jay Leslie