In 1925, William Fulves - an eminent clockmaker of the time, set out to disprove spirit communications by constructing a foolproof device, all with the idea of testing mediums’ abilities.

Fulves was a sceptic. He was also a businessman and later saw the potential in selling such devices to polite society capitalising on their obsession with spirit manifestations. Only a handful of these devices were ever made and sold under the name ‘Mysterious Orac1e’. His plan backfired, and when he became a professed believer, convinced of the device’s ability to channel spirit energy, his colleagues and family abandoned him.

Fulves vanished shortly after and it was thought none of the devices survived. It now appears some did. What’s more, they work - especially in the presence of Fulves himself.

Effect

The effect should always be referred to as ‘The Dark Glass’.

The performer suggests how these devices were originally developed as a test of spiritual influence since the dial is behind glass and therefore unable to be physically manipulated by the medium. The medium would instead have to rely on spiritual or telekinetic influence to manipulate the dial.

Your audience becomes the medium as you suggest an experiment to see if the device, widely credited for Fulves disappearance, can be used to contact the spirit of its inventor.

A photograph of William Fulves is introduced and placed in front of the device. The box is opened flat in test mode and an audience member is invited to test their spiritual abilities using Fulves influence.

Fulves’ presence quickly becomes felt as the device twitches and spins, seemingly under the influence of the medium.

Details, details…

The effect should always be referred to as ‘The Dark Glass’.

The Dark Glass is a utility device for use in séance type settings. The pointer will spin and is controlled by a hidden remote. IMPORTANT NOTE: its movement is random – it cannot be used to spell out specific messages.

The device is practically silent. It uses microelectronics located beneath the dial plate to move or spin the pointer.

The Dark Glass is made from solid hardwood with period-correct solid brass fittings. The brass bezel and dial plate have been designed and produced with meticulous attention to detail and then aged to give a rich patina. Graphics use period-correct fonts and hand-drawn lettering. The outer box has been made using the same covering material of the period, which has then been hand sanded and aged using a multi-chemical process. The faded cloth wrap and string add to the overall effect of an artefact, hidden for decades, but coveted by those who what it is.

There’s the added kicker of a hidden message built into the dial plate should you choose to use it in performance. Oh, and the photograph of Fulves is also gaffed to enable PK touches.

Uses 3 x CR2032 batteries (not included)

What's included

The kit includes the following:

• The Dark Glass in solid hardwood
• Aged, period-correct, outer box
• Gaffed cabinet card of William Fulves
• Old cloth wrap and string
• Keyfob remote
• Instruction booklet with basic routine
• Presentation box
• Dark Artefacts tag of authenticity