Designer: P.T. Selbit

During September of 1923, Selbit introduced the Human Pincushion illusion (later performed under the title “The Spiker” by the Great Nicola) at St. George’s Hall. Later performances also saw Selbit refer to it as “The Indestructible Girl.”

Selbit invited a committee to examine the vertical cabinet which had a front panel with a small door at the top and another at the bottom, the remainder being perforated with 84 holes. The back of the cabinet allowed for a metal plate with 84 metal spikes to be placed in front of it. It could be moved by means of a wheel crank. An assistant would enter the illusion and the sides would be closed. The back was then driven towards the front by means of the crank. Once the spikes penetrated the front, the front door at the top was opened to show the assistant’s face.

Howard Thurston also used this illusion. In Thurston’s version, the assistant could be seen from the side having been impaled.