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I know I have been posting a lot of vintage puzzles (over 20 years old is a standard definition), and I have even posted some older puzzles and toys from the 1960s... but this one falls into antique range of puzzle... as well as American Heritate level. I have looked and these occasionally come up for sale but not too often.
This is a Columbus Egg Puzzle from the 1492-1892 Columbian Exposition and Worlds Fair. It is a bit dinged and blemished, but intact and functional. How good will you look after 130 years?
The U.S. Patent Office devotes an entire sub-class to "Balancing Ovoids" ( ccl/273/154). The theme was especially popular around the time of the 1892 Fair, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
For examples, see U.S. Patent 496716 - Benitez 1893 ; also 467384 - Schulze 1892; also 459233 - Woodbridge 1891 (which doesn't look like it would actually work), and 1235306 - Fredrick 1917.
There are different versions of the inscriptions I found online... for example...
On MOST eggs I found online, the enscriptions occur in four concentric circles on the wide end, starting with a portrait of Columbus with the dates 1492 and 1892, and the word "patented." The next ring contains the words "Chicago - P.M. Baumgardner & Co. Patentees." Then "Columbus Egg Puzzle" and finally "World's Fair Souvenir."
MY egg in the lacks the "World's Fair" under the portrait, and says "Pat Apld For" after Baumgardner, there must be various versions. I think this is a first version and then was updated for the World's Fair in a later revision... but I am just guessing. This is just the Egg... no box...there was an original box... also no instructions or documentation... I also was able to find the original documentation that came with the egg online... I didn't post it due to spoilers.
I have read two different descriptions on what metals are used... one said silver plate on brass, but I am more inclined to believe Nickle plate on brass. You can see in the pics where the brass is worn through in some areas.
The solutions to balancing ovoid puzzles usually depend on finding a way to take advantage of an internal mechanism, and will require some motion trick.
I have seen several of these come up for sale now and then, and often the seller does not realize the purpose of the puzzle and has attempted to open it! Please, these are not meant to be cut open! The Columbus Egg has sold for well over $150 a few years ago (and that one had been opened... eeek).
This is an antique, Americana, World's Fair, a puzzle, rare... and very cool. And if I was still into Steampunk and all thing Victorian... this little gem would have stayed with me. However, my starting bid is $200, I guess if it doesn't sell, it will find a new spot in the puzzle collection.
Shipping determined at close of auction.
