Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

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allardwza
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Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

Post by allardwza »

...just in case(!) anyone on here hasn't already seen the most epic puzzle box to go on sale ever, currently on Baxterweb at http://puzzles.baxterweb.com/groupList.asp?gid=chest
apothF 029.jpg
apothF 029.jpg (195.51 KiB) Viewed 13959 times
The official description... in case the pic doesn't quite do it justice!
The Stickman Apothecary Puzzlechest is a realized vision, over 4 years in the making, with the goal of representing an entire era of some of the best puzzle designers and craftsmen from around the world. Twelve prolific artists from 5 different countries participated in orchestrating its creation. Each drawer within has been quality hand-crafted to exhibit the best abilities and individual styles of these artists.

The chest itself is also a complex mechanical puzzle. The solution of individual puzzlebox drawers is required to obtain mechanical parts, and these are required to progress its sequential movement. Within the chest, mechanical pistons lock drawers into place while still allowing them to slide freely. Pushing in on a drawer causes others to automatically extrude from the chest. And in turn, pushing those drawers back causes yet other drawers to come out in an apparently random fashion. Deducing the pattern and sequence of drawer movements is part of the puzzle to this chest, as drawers can only be released under certain conditions. Once a puzzle drawer has been removed and solved, pressing it back into its slot will automatically re-engage it into its locking mechanical piston.

Enough cannot be said about the puzzle drawers designed by contributing artists; many of whom have received awards for their abilities. The only restriction placed upon designs was the size of the puzzle, which required parameter sides of 3” just to fit into the chest, (some puzzles are 3” cube and others measure 3” x 3” x 4”). The goal was as to require minimal restrictions in order to ensure the true flavor and style of each artist

The designs of puzzlebox drawers vary from the seemingly simple to exhaustingly complex. Some require just a few profound and elusive steps, while others require moves going into the hundreds. Many of these puzzles are exclusive to only this chest, or significantly limited in production, and are therefore rare. With such diversity in complexity, concepts, and styles, there is something appealing to everyone in this chest.

The chest is crafted from quality sapele wood, decoratively accented with purpleheart inlays, and measures 18” x 16” x 12”. It rests up on a base of intricately carved wooden feet and comes with a 15-page, fully illustrated instruction book. All drawers have been signed and numbered by each artist.

Originally, the only way to obtain one of these chests was to be an artist contributing to the project, and none were intended for public sale. However project bylaws have since been expanded, now allowing for two additional copies to be sold at auction to help cover expenses. Stickman Apothecary Puzzle Chests are limited in edition to only 15 completed copies, and this particular chest is #15 out of the limited edition set.
Amateur Puzzle Hoarder and occasional blogger
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Bidle
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Re: Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

Post by Bidle »

Very nice puzzle,.... almost a piece of art. :)
Don't even want to know the selling price of this stunning piece,......
kev1n
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Re: Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

Post by kev1n »

Bidle wrote:Very nice puzzle,.... almost a piece of art. :)
Don't even want to know the selling price of this stunning piece,......
Yes you do! Just to confirm that you can't afford it!

As of 23:00 on 30/12/2013 the leading bud is $10,200.

Unfortunately it's not my bid! :cry:
Kev1n
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Visit my blog it's at: www.puzzlemad.co.uk

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Bidle
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Re: Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

Post by Bidle »

kev1n wrote:
Bidle wrote:Very nice puzzle,.... almost a piece of art. :)
Don't even want to know the selling price of this stunning piece,......
Yes you do! Just to confirm that you can't afford it!

As of 23:00 on 30/12/2013 the leading bud is $10,200.

Unfortunately it's not my bid! :cry:
Yes I noticed the price, unbelievable. Don't know if I can't afford it though. Also not the highest bit, but do see some other interesting puzzles. :D



[edit]
Well,.. the bid just went up to $12.701,- :(
[/edit]
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maztec
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Re: Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

Post by maztec »

I bid a stupid amount on it, just for **** and giggles. Thank god someone outbid me. My wife would have killed me for putting that much on the credit card!

As it stands, I am looking at buying a different puzzle set that is going to put me behind a bit as is :\
OOOOOOOoo
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Bidle
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Re: Apothecary Chest Puzzlebox

Post by Bidle »

Just took a quick look,.... it's almost an addiction. :lol:

At the moment I've the highest bid for 9 puzzles and unfortunately my last bid on the Chest was not enough. But bidding more is just too much. Also because of transport and VAT+customs (~28%), but maybe if they also sell the other one I'm luckier.

Nevertheless if I keep the highest bid for the others I'll be very happy. :)
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