Jack in the Box

(No, it’s not a child’s wind-up toy…)
 

In between making some epic puzzle chests, Jesse Born took some time out to design and manufacture something a whole lot simpler – think of it as a palate cleanser between courses of a gourmet meal, or a coffee break in a busy day’s work. Of course it turns out that Jesse’s idea of something a whole lot simpler is still a pretty darn great puzzle box…

Jack in the Box is a secret opening card case: a gorgeous way to store your favourite deck. The holly and wenge provide a stunning backdrop for Jesse’s excellent marquetry work that makes it clear that this is a case for cards.

Even though you’re never more than six moves away from a game of relaxing bridge, this is an interesting puzzle box.

The first move is beautifully well-disguised, and while the next few moves might become clear, there’s still a little way to go before the deck emerges in its own wooden card sleeve, complete with Jesse’s trademark branding.

I love the theming and the progression of the solution – there are a couple of neat little surprises in there where the craftsmanship is that good that the moves caught me off guard.

While this is definitely one of Jesse’s simpler puzzle boxes, I’m a big fan.