~ History of Puzzle Boxes ~
Puzzle boxes go by many other names such as secret boxes, trick opening boxes and even trick locking boxes just to name a few. It is estimated that the first
of these "personal boxes" came about in Japan most likely before the 1800's. Japan has exported secret
puzzle boxes to the West
around 1870. These
wooden boxes are often complex and may require many "moves" to
open them. So the puzzle is the box itself and the challenge is to find the secret compartment inside. In 1984 the craft of Japanese puzzle boxes was designated a National Traditional Handicraft by the International Trade & Industry Minister of Japan. From these truly talented craftsman evolved an idea and art that fascinates everyone to this day. The real beauty of puzzle boxes is that, unlike any other
type of puzzles, you can actually put something inside the box for safe keeping
from unwitting subjects. It was these boxes that motivated the establishment of
Quagmire Puzzle Boxes.
~ QPB's Unique Handcrafted Wooden Puzzle Boxes ~
Handcrafted wooden boxes by Quagmire Puzzle Boxes™ are much more than just
another puzzle box.
These unique boxes are completely Original designs created by artist, inventor and master craftsman Randal Gatewood.
These mechanical puzzle boxes have names like: The Double Crossed,
The Keepers Key Safe, Box of ZN , (Box of Zen) and the Ultimate Personal Box (UPB Box).
Each of these handcrafted boxes is really a mechanical wooden puzzle - disguised
within the boxes design, i.e., the puzzle is built into the box. So
obviously the challenge is to open the box. These are really very tricky boxes
and a lot of fun... well, fun if you like a good challenge! Many of these complex designs are made
the "old school" way using basic woodworking tools and even hand built tools and
jigs. The 3 dimensional aspects of Randal's puzzle boxes add real depth in the
details making each of these
unique wooden box designs an inspired work of art combined with mechanical
woodworking ingenuity. And because these tricky boxes were designed to be used as well as looked at,
they really can make great stash boxes for everything from jewelry, secret
documents or even for your favorite keepsakes. Our Original Limited Edition
designs have been purchased by collectors and enthusiast around the world. If
you're looking for a really unique handcrafted box made of beautiful exotic
hardwoods, one of
our Quagmire Puzzle Box designs maybe just what your looking for! Click here to read more about Randal G.
~ Bringing secret boxes into the 21st century with laser technology! ~
Randal G. has a whole new line of secret boxes in work.
A few of these completed original designs are now available such as the
The Uncle Herbart Secret box and the
The Box Joint Box secret puzzle box.
These boxes provide a great challenge along with being esthetically attractive.
Using a powerful Co2 laser makes it possible to create small intricate
parts much quicker than cutting by hand. The laser also allows adding artistic
concepts to the boxes such as with our Uncle Herbart secret box. Of course the
laser does have it's limits and the majority of the work is still handcrafted
workmanship. The laser simply makes it possible to create some pieces that would
otherwise be extremely time consuming. The result is still a high quality unique
wooden box at a much more affordable price... and that's always good.
Keep checking back because Randal has a lot more new puzzle box designs coming!
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“A good puzzle
box should provide the task of logical reasoning, manipulation, dexterity and even a little luck at times.
It is my goal to intrigue the puzzler with as much challenge as the design will possibly allow.
- The 'challenge' is the motivator that drives one to succeed.
Without challenge; one lacks motivation.
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All of our Quagmire Puzzle Boxes are original trademark designs created by artisan Randal Gatewood.
No part of any these designs may be reproduced in any form or by any means without explicit permission from Randal Gatewood.
All artwork designs on this website are © 2003-2009 and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of QPB and or the original artist.
All rights reserved. Use of any material, in whole or in part, is explicitly forbidden without written consent.
Copyright © 2009 By: Quagmire Puzzle Boxes™ / QPB Laser Services™
Web Design by: Randal Gatewood
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