THE UNDERNEATH
The Underneath features an experience so strong and so emotionally charged that absolutely no magic effect, in the classic sense of the word, is needed. This means nothing to hide, nothing to be found, and reactions like nothing else could generate.
With no moving parts, no magnets, no threads, and no gimmicks whatsoever, this very special set of antiqued children’s blocks includes a sinister secret that, when shared with your audiences, will instill a sense of fearful wonder.
They don’t move, tumble, jump, or change - they do something so much more unique, and just as ominous. With The Underneath secrets are uncovered, messages are communicated, and gateways are opened.
The Underneath is the first in a series of strange toys that, in due time, will be rediscovered from the GATEWAY TOY Manufacturing Co. catalog.
Samuel Bishop and the Gateway Toy Manufacturing Company
In 1934 Samuel Bishop began making toys. After being rejected by the Parker Brothers for his controversial ideas, Samuel set up a small toy manufacturing company in the basement of his home, Gateway Toys. There, he poured his soul into each of his hand crafted playthings until each one was perfect. Samuel Bishop also had a secret. In the small New England town where he lived, there existed a dark past, one that he would not forget.
Most of the families in Danvers, Massachusetts, formerly Salem Village, descended from the infamous Salem witch trials. You either descended from the condemned side or the condemners. For Samuel Bishop there was no in between. His family had lived in Salem Village for generations. He was a distant relative to Bridget Bishop, the first innocent victim to be condemned and hanged. As a boy, his grandfather and great grandfather would often tell of the horror that had happened to their family during those dark times. Even as a child, a seed of bitterness was planted.
It was the religious ignorance of the executions that made him angry. It wasn't fair that so many innocent people died, and the real demons lived out the rest of their lives smugly thinking they had made a difference in the world. He made it his life's work to extract vengeance for their crimes by punishing their children. The sons and daughters shall pay for the sins of the fathers.
His outrage for the past can still be felt in the not so innocent playthings he forged during his life. The next time you pick up an antique toy, look very closely, you just might see something sinister looking back at you from just underneath the surface.
The Effect: The Underneath is a set of vintage children's alphabet blocks created to alter the assumptions of what childhood innocence is. When certain words are spelled out and the blocks flipped over to the opposite side a strange and bizarre word combination appears. A total of six different words combine to send a dark message that can be interpreted in a number of ways.
List of Contents.
6 – Hardwood, hand painted and heavily aged alphabet blocks, each one measuring 1 1/4 inches of which six of the sides have been milled to the exact standard of the era.
1 - Hand aged papier-mâché period correct box measuring 4 3/4” x 3 1/4" x 2 inches deep.
1 - 18 page instructional PDF containing the detailed backstory, presentation variations, and supporting material that includes a link to the Gateway Toys backstory video.
The Terrifying Object.
A New Distinction in Bizarre Magic?
Out of complete transparency it is important that you understand that this bizarre magic offering does not involve a magic principle or method in the traditional sense of the term. When we purchase a new effect most of us are accustomed to learning the secret or the method of said effect and then we set out to maximize it to achieve the strongest audience reaction possible.
As the project evolved, I began to see that it needed to be placed in a different classification unto itself.
How then could this be defined? It is an object that when shown or demonstrated, produces a shocking, horrifying or uncomfortable response.
The term I have been using is:
The Terrifying Object: A more concise definition.
An object that can perform a mysterious function, outside the normal parameters of its own natural abilities invoking a disproportionate emotional response including, shock, confusion, fear and the like.
The Details
The Underneath will be sold in two phases. The first 25 sets will be phase one. The remaining 19 will be phase two.
Normally, The Underneath will be sold for $275.00 shipped anywhere in the continental United States. (outside the US see below)
In appreciation to the first phase buyers the price will be $250.00.
After the first 25 are sold the remaining 19 sets will sell for $275.00 each.
Due to the nature of this product, refunds are not available.
Overseas orders please read carefully
Overseas orders will be calculated on an individual by region basis. Because of the global pandemic and lengthy customs issues, overseas orders could be delayed up to 12 weeks or more. I apologize for this inconvenience.
Also please be aware that for overseas orders I cannot guarantee delivery once the order leaves the United States. It is simply out of my hands. Please understand that because of these uncertain times there is an element of risk in not receiving your order. It does happen. I am not able to assume the risk or absorb the loss in the event your package does not arrive. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Inquiries regarding quantities remaining will not be responded to. Thank you for understanding.
In an attempt to protect the investment of the initial buyers and future owners of The Underneath, each set of blocks will bear an undisclosed makers mark to discourage blatant and not so blatant attempts of theft, replication and resale. Thank you for understanding!
For availability and payment information please contact: Steve at magic.life8228@gmail.com
I look forward to serving you.
THE UNDERNEATH COPYRIGHT 2020 S.T. PEEBLES