Houdini’s Torture Cell sequential discovery puzzle by Brian Young

This is the puzzle I originally made for the IPP31 Puzzle Exchange in Berlin, Germany. August 2011.  282 were made.

An original design by Brian Young. Made by Mr Puzzle Australia.

WINNER: One of two Jury First Prizes in the Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition 2012

The puzzle is in it’s original zip-lock bag with card and solution as it was packaged for IPP exchange in 2011.

I took it out to photograph and solved the puzzle. All working correctly. I checked there are no cracks in the acrylic tube but I’ll send a spare acrylic tube (all 4 sides of puzzle shown in photos) with the puzzle to the buyer.

For full disclosure.

Before you buy this puzzle you need to know that I am developing a brass version that will be manufactured in China and so not too expensive. I thought it might be available mid-year but now it looks like it will be later in 2021.

Like all my sold out puzzles,  I will never make the original version (like this one in wood) again.

Original Text from Mr Puzzle website:

The object of the puzzle is to free Houdini from The Torture Cell.

To do that you’ll have to discover the tools and work out how to use them.

The idea for Houdini’s Torture Cell came from one of the locks in the incredibly complex The Opening Bat puzzle (part of the Sold Out Limited Edition 2010 series). Brian felt the idea was unique and very satisfying to solve so he revisited the idea and changed it to present in a way that would suit IPP; this way it’s available for lots more people to experience a great ‘Ah Ha’ moment.

The puzzle has been presented in such a way that most elements of the puzzle are visible to you. The puzzle is to then work out how to use them to solve it. You can literally sit and think about the solution without even touching the puzzle.

Another feature that Brian builds into these types of sequential discovery puzzles is to give you something to find almost immediately; better to maintain interest in the puzzle. You’ll find that with this puzzle too. Yes, there are lots of magnets in the puzzle but no “hitting” or “banging” is necessary to solve it.

The theme of the puzzle was designed specifically for IPP31 in Berlin. The puzzle celebrates Harry Houdini’s first public performance of The Torture Cell at the Circus Busch in Berlin on 12th September 1912. A small copy of the original poster from that show is printed on the presentation card.

Size: 100mm tall

General Information:

I know I don’t have much feedback but this is Brian & Sue Young aka Mr Puzzle auctioning these puzzles. If you’re concerned then contact me separately via the Mr Puzzle Australia website to confirm.

But please don’t email and ask to discontinue the auction. All auctions will run their duration. It’s the fairest course for everyone.

 All prices in Australian Dollars (not US Dollars).  We accept payment via PayPal with no fees.

The puzzles will be shipped from us here in Australia and we’ll send a PayPal invoice after the auction is closed. If you buy more than one item we’re happy to combine ship and quote based on weight.

Cost to ship this puzzle Standard:

Australia/NZ 10.00

US/Canada/UK/Asia 11.00

France/Germany/Italy 13.00

Other Europe & Rest of the World 16.00