Hardini Billet Box – German Estate

My friend Hardini was well known in Germany for his exquisite props made in Germany in small quantities. He mostly had the props made in Mahogany wood

In his product catalogue he had two different switch boxes, better known as Billet Boxes. This one looks like a box that was passed around in European churches to collect donations. For that reason it would have been a familiar sight for audiences.

It is used to switch billets (messages written on small pieces of paper). In a performance environment several spectators would be asked to write a word on a piece of paper, fold it and drop it into a slit in the box. The box would then be unlocked at the bottom and another spectator would then be asked to select one of the papers and read the word aloud. Of course the all knowing mentalist is then able to show that his prediction given to a third spectator before the show is a match.

The locking box is 7 inches tall and 5.5 inches square. Excellent working condition with some minor scratches that could be buffed out. We provide the original German instructions and a short English write-up that explains the workings.

A nice find for the collector of rare German made props.