JAMES, Stewart (1908 – 96). Stewart James’ Own Sefalaljia Cabinet. Circa 1939. A modified ungimmicked wooden radio cabinet with hinged lid and large holes in each short side, mounted on four wooden feet, being the very prop used by James for his influential miniature tabletop Spirit Cabinet, Sefalaljia, as first published in The Jinx #69 (Dec. 2, 1939). In effect, impossible manifestations took place inside the box, including a ball jumping inside a glass, a visibly dematerializing quantity of milk in a bottle, the passing of a ring through a length of tape, the unknotting of a handkerchief, and more. 12 ½ x 6 ¼ x 7 ½”. Visible wear on floor of cabinet and to exterior. This unassuming prop was owned and used by the creator of this influential effect which has been widely adapted, reimagined, and performed for the many decades since its initial publication.

Annemann wrote an introduction to the explanation of James’s effect which was no faint praise: “I honestly believe that this one man miniature spirit cabinet routine is far beyond, in merit and effectiveness, anything yet conceived. Certainly the manifestations are out of the ordinary and Mr. James has managed to use several magical principles in a way not originally intended. The absence of complicated preparation in the cabinet will be found quite refreshing. The routine herein should be put into immediate use by many magi.”