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???? Special Provenance Note: ???? This puzzle comes directly from the personal estate and collection of the late, legendary puzzle designer and enthusiast, Bill Darrah. Up for auction is an absolute classic in the mechanical puzzle world: the Rosebud (STC #39). This incredible coordinate motion puzzle was brilliantly designed by Stewart Coffin and beautifully crafted by Allen Rolfs as his official exchange puzzle for the 21st International Puzzle Party (IPP21) held in Tokyo in 2001.
The Puzzle & The Challenge:
The Rosebud is famous in the community for its stunning geometry and its maddening difficulty. It is composed of six identical wooden pieces that must be brought together simultaneously in a perfect, synchronized coordinate motion. Once assembled, it forms a tight, interlocking "bud" without showing any gaps.
Finding the correct pressure points to gracefully slide it apart is a challenge, but reassembly is where the true test lies. It is so notoriously difficult to put together that it requires the included custom wooden tray, which acts as an assembly jig, to hold the pieces in place!
Condition:
Excellent, collector-quality condition. The woods are beautiful, and the precision milling required for a Coffin design is spot-on. It comes complete with the original labeled slide-top box, the six puzzle pieces, and the essential wooden assembly jig.
Owning a vintage Stewart Coffin design with direct provenance to Bill Darrah's personal collection is a rare and fantastic opportunity. Please review all photos for the exact condition. Shipping will be calculated at the end of the auction. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Shipping determined at close of auction.
