Lock Box - Eric Fuller

Lock Box is a sequential discovery puzzle box. Its simple appearance hides a very complex mechanical mechanism that requires multiple discoveries to open. No gravity moves, spinning, tapping, banging or force is necessary or allowed.

I think this is one of my best designs to date. Multiple steps and discoveries are required, with knowledge of the mechanism coming in stages until the box finally opens to reveal its prize.

We sourced a very rare plank of Claro Walnut for this edition of Lock Box. Claro walnut trees are a blend of species, created by grafting an English walnut to either black walnut or a California walnut. Claro is a Spanish word meaning clear or bright, and this is used to identify the wood cut from the bole of walnut orchard trees.

This is also our first puzzle that incorporates precision-milled metal components combined with fine woodworking. The shining aluminum key shaft really stands out against the intricate visual texture of the wood.