RARE: Raft-5 (IPP 20) – Bill Darrah’s PERSONAL Copy w/ Signed Note from Pavel Curtis

The Ultimate Designer-to-Maker Association Piece

​Up for auction is a significant piece of mechanical puzzle history: an original Raft-5 interlocking puzzle from the 20th International Puzzle Party (IPP 20) held in Los Angeles in 2000.  

​This is not just a standard exchange copy; this specific unit was the personal property of the designer himself, the late Bill Darrah. Unmatched Provenance & The "Pavel" Note

What sets this listing apart is the extraordinary "association" between two giants of the puzzle community. Included with the puzzle is a handwritten note from the legendary Pavel Curtis (founder of Pavel’s Puzzles and software pioneer), addressed directly to Bill Darrah.

​"Bill, Thanks for letting me build such a marvelous puzzle! - Pavel"

​This note documents the moment a master craftsman thanked a master designer for the privilege of bringing his vision to life for the IPP exchange. Following Bill Darrah’s passing, items from his private archives have become some of the most sought-after "pedigree" pieces in the hobby.  

​Puzzle Details & Rarity

​Designer: Bill Darrah  

​Maker/Presenter: Pavel Curtis  

​Event: IPP 20 (August 2000, Los Angeles)  

​Material: Precisely machined Walnut "logs."  

​Type: Interlocking / Burr

​Objective: Disassemble the "raft" and reassemble the 10 interlocking logs into the 5x5 grid.

​Rarity: Produced in a strictly limited run (approx. 250 units) exclusively for IPP invited guests.

​Condition

​This piece has been meticulously preserved within the Bill Darrah estate. The wood grain is beautiful, the dovetail joins are crisp, and the handwritten note is clear and legible. It represents a "Triple Threat" for collectors: Rarity, Famous Designer/Maker Connection, and Elite Provenance.

​Collector's Note

​Owning a Bill Darrah design is a privilege; owning Bill Darrah’s own copy of his design—gifted and signed by Pavel Curtis—is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is a cornerstone acquisition for any serious IPP historian or high-end mechanical puzzle collector.

Shipping determined at close of auction.