Penultimate Burr Box Set - Eric Fuller / Ken Irvine / Van Delft & Botermans (Cubic Dissection)

The Penultimate Burr Box Set is a foundational item that belongs in any serious puzzle collection.  It succeeds on multiple important levels.

First, it introduced a new system of burr puzzles using 6-unit length pieces - a departure from the traditional 8-unit format that defined decades of classic burr designs. This shift surprisingly allows for a greater diversity of puzzle challenges.

Second, the elegant wooden box contains 27 meticulously crafted burr pieces made from exotic hardwoods that combine to form hundreds of unique puzzle assemblies.

Finally, the box itself is a fantastic puzzle in its own right: it conceals a hidden compartment that must be discovered to access the enclosed booklet of puzzle challenges.

This is a rare edition of an already rare item. Only 74 sets were ever produced, varying in wood composition:

• The rarest variant (just 4 copies) was made from Ebony, Quartersawn Curl Jatoba, and Wenge.
• The next tier (just 16 copies, the one offered here) was crafted from Bocote, African Teak, Figured Walnut, and Peruvian Walnut.
• The remaining 54 sets used more common hardwoods.

Cubic Dissection description:

The Penultimate Burr Set is something I've wanted to make for a very long time. I love burr puzzles, and the versatility and value of burr sets is unmatched. This set of 27 numbered pieces combines to make hundreds of puzzles, from fairly simple solid assemblies to extremely difficult higher level assemblies. Never before offered in six unit length, a new analysis of the set was performed by Ken Irvine and revealed many problems which were unachievable with the traditional eight unit length pieces.

The box itself is quite special; the lid lifts off to reveal precise, ordered rows of burr sticks. What's missing are the instructions, hidden in a concealed compartment and protected by a puzzle box mechanism. You must solve the puzzle box before beginning work on the burr sets. This puzzle offers hundreds of hours of puzzling value!

This is some of our best work. The burrs are accurate and uniform, the box lid fits with precision, displacing air as you open or close it. The puzzle mechanism is tricky and completely concealed. Once discovered it's easily repeatable. I'm very happy with how these turned out.

Size: 7.5 x 5.25 x 3.85 inches

Material: Bocote, African Teak, Figured Walnut, Peruvian Walnut

Condition: Perfect

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