1 December 2005 Sue Young

Hollow Cross 6 piece interlocking puzzle

Sold Out 2005 Limited Edition set of 30.
Original Price: AU$250.00

Despite making a number of Russian designed puzzles over the years, Brian’s Russian has not improved. Actually, it doesn’t exist at all. So, although he found this interesting design in an old Russian puzzle book he does not know it’s name, nor was he able to read anything about the puzzle, even though there was only a few words written on the page.

The interesting shapes of the six different pieces are what first caught Brian’s eye. They go together to make a three-dimensional cross.

When assembled there is a small space inside this burr, essentially making this like a puzzle box. Putting something in the space inside does not affect the workings of the puzzle. In keeping with that theme, Brian has incorporated a lock. It’s not as complex as the lock in Hidden Secrets of Hep, just something to add an element of mystique and stop the puzzle from coming apart too easily.

Of course, being a burr puzzle once disassembled, the main aim is for you to get the 6 different pieces back together.

The puzzle is crafted from Queensland Maple. The wood is brownish pink with somewhat interlocked grain, often wavy or curly. Stands of Queensland Maple are restricted to the Townsville and Windsor Tablelands areas in North Queensland. Commercial supply of this timber is now very limited as the main areas of growth are in World Heritage listed areas. It’s amazing what Brian is able to find when rummaging through his timber merchant’s warehouse. Puzzles are small and when you’re only making 30 you don’t need very long lengths.

We’ve used a more subtle routing pattern on the pieces of this puzzle so that when it’s assembled it maintains it’s symmetry. The puzzle has been lacquered inside and out and each individual piece has been buffed and waxed.
Size: 90mm x 90mm x 90mm