Fig. 1
To the casual observer the two mats look precisely alike, but there are in reality important practical differences between them. The “coin” mat is covered with leather on both sides, and each has the embossed shield, so that, whichever side is uppermost, no difference is perceptible to the eye. In the case of the “card” mat the upper surface only is of leather, the under side being covered with baize. The object of this difference is that the exposure (accidental or otherwise) of the baize-covered side of the card mat may induce in the mind of the spectator the assumption that the under side of the coin mat is covered in the same way, such assumption naturally precluding the idea that it is reversible.
Each mat has a secret space, after the manner of the old “multiplying” salver, between its upper and under surfaces. The opening in each case is opposite the lower end or point of the shield before mentioned, so that, however the mat may be placed, a glance at the shield will always furnish a guide to the position, for the time being, of the opening.
Fig. 2
In the case of the card mat the secret space (see Fig. 2) is just large enough to accommodate three playing cards, one upon another. The corresponding space in the coin mat (Fig. 3) is shorter, narrower and deeper, being designed to receive, one upon the other, a couple of half-crowns, or coins of similar size.[1]
Fig. 3