3 Wise Bolts

Designer: Brian Young
Maker: Mr. Puzzle Australia

There is a lot going on in this relatively small package. The goal is to simply remove the three bolts and discover two secret compartments, and then of course get it all back together again!  Along the way, you'll discover some helpful tools, but none of the types of tools that you are used to using. Additional information is available at Mr Puzzle Australia.

Donors: Brian and Sue Young

ages

Designer: Brian Young
Maker: Mr. Puzzle Australia

This looks something akin to a routine 6-piece burr, but it is anything but. The ultimate goal is to find a small bit of Australian Lightning Ridge opal. It's not valuable, but it will be rewarding to discover its secret compartment. Solving starts out like a regular burr, but you'll quickly run into a dead-end, forcing you to rethink your approach. Over time, you'll encounter tools/elements of sequential discovery, trick locks, and yes, some engaging elements of traditional burr puzzles. It all adds up to a challenging and ultimately rewarding journey. Additional information is available at Mr Puzzle Australia.

Donors: Brian and Sue Young

Braided Box II

Designer/Maker: Kagen Sound

Kagen is one of the best known designers and makers of wooden puzzle boxes anywhere. And his range is incredible...from a modest pencil case to a full desk that, among other things, requires you to play a hidden pipe organ in order to open a secret compartment!  Too bad...no such tricks here. But this box is almost as unique, being just one of two that will be made in this style. Those familiar with Kagen's work will notice this is similar to his previous Braided Box, but now with an added trick. It is likely that a future variation will be produced commercially. Regardless, this will stand as a unique and exceptional acquisition for a serious collector.

Donor: Kagen Sound

Pin Cubes Set

Designer: William Hu
Maker: Cubicdissection

Originally sold separately, this is a set of three related puzzles with slightly different themes. They are Pinprick (left, goncalo alves), Pinwheel (middle, maple), and Pinball (right, walnut), with the names giving a mild hint to the corresponding themes. Additional information is available at Cubicdissection.

Donor: Eric Fuller

Caged Polycubes

Designer: John Rausch
Maker: Cubicdissection

There are 47 separate challenges, each to fill the cubic frame with 6 of the 14 pieces. One such example is shown along with the remaining pieces, storage box, and a helpful solving jig.  Also included is a 17-page guide with complete instructions and solutions. Additional information is available at Cubicdissection.

Donor: Eric Fuller

Pair Dance

Designer: Osanori Yamamoto
Maker: Tom Lensch

This puzzle was designed by Osanori Yamamoto, well-known for creating puzzles that look easy but they're not! The goal is simply to get the two pieces paired up in the middle of the cage. But don't be fooled...this innocent looking puzzle is quite a formidable challenge, requiring at least 14 moves to solve properly. 

Donor: Tom Lensch

Dissolving Rectangle #1

Designer: Goh Pit Khiam
Maker: Tom Lensch

This is a so-called "missing area" puzzle, and is an obvious 2D analog to the classic Melting Block puzzle, but with a twist. The goal is to fill the tray with rectangular arrangements of pieces...first without the unit piece, and then a second time with it. Sometimes you will see this effect presented expertly as magic. But here there is a twist, because the usual technique for solving this type of puzzle will simply not work.

Donor: Tom Lensch

Dissolving Rectangle #2

Designer: Goh Pit Khiam
Maker: Tom Lensch

This is a so-called "missing area" puzzle, and is an obvious 2D analog to the classic Melting Block puzzle, but with a twist. The goal is to fill the tray with rectangular arrangements of pieces...first without the unit piece, and then a second time with it. Sometimes you will see this effect presented expertly as magic. But here there is a twist, because the usual technique for solving this type of puzzle will simply not work.

Donor: Tom Lensch

Wood Puzzle

Designers: Jane and John Kostick
Maker:Jane Kostick

This wood puzzle by Jane & John Kostick is made of 30 sticks that surround a hollow center and magnetically connect in the same arrangement as the 30 rods in the bronze star. Jane & John Kostick are designers and artisans with some background in mathematics. They met at a geometry lecture at the end of 1993 and got married just a few weeks later. They mainly worked doing residential remodeling, carpentry, and custom cabinetry before starting KO Sticks and shifting over to full-time design and construction of geometric objects.

Donors: Jane and John Kostick

Triangles x2

Designer/Make: Roy Leban

Arrange the three triangles to make a symmetric shape. Included are two copies of the same puzzle: a giant size perfect for your coffee table, and smaller one suitable for your office or for giving to a friend.

Donor: Roy Leban and Almanaq