Long before Wil Strijbos became famous for puzzles like the First Cross, Lotus Puzzle, and his legendary lock designs, he created his very first puzzle box.
Originally designed around 1984, only six examples of this puzzle were ever produced. Those rare copies found homes with some of the most important puzzle collectors and historians of their generation, including Jerry Slocum, Nob Yoshigahara, Dick Hess, Edward Hordern, and James Dalgety.
Decades later, Strijbos revisited the design and transformed it into the stunning metal version you see today.
For collectors, this is more than a puzzle.
It is a piece of puzzle history.
Your Mission
The objective appears almost laughably simple:
Remove the rod.
There are no hidden magnets.
No tapping.
No external tools.
Just you, the puzzle, and a challenge that is far more complex than it first appears.
As you begin exploring the box, subtle clues and unexpected discoveries gradually reveal themselves. Small openings invite investigation. Hidden relationships between components emerge. What starts as a straightforward mechanical challenge evolves into a rewarding journey of sequential discovery.
Like the best Strijbos puzzles, every breakthrough feels earned.
A True Sequential Discovery Puzzle
The First Puzzle Box is highly regarded among enthusiasts for its sequential discovery elements.
Rather than solving a single mechanism, you'll uncover a chain of interconnected discoveries that slowly reveal the puzzle's hidden logic. Every step opens the door to the next, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and careful observation.
This style of puzzle has become one of the most beloved genres among serious collectors because it creates an experience that feels more like an adventure than a traditional brain teaser.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
The modern edition is beautifully crafted from anodized aluminum and finished in an attractive deep blue color.
The weight and precision machining give the puzzle an impressive presence in the hand, while Wil Strijbos' signature, engraved on the front, serves as a reminder of its remarkable heritage.
Look closely and you'll notice small openings along the sides and a tiny surprise hidden within the bottom opening, one of many charming details that reflect Strijbos' playful approach to puzzle design.
About Wil Strijbos
Wil Strijbos is widely regarded as one of the most influential mechanical puzzle designers in the world.
Known for his innovative locks, sequential discovery puzzles, and engineering-driven challenges, his creations have earned a devoted following among collectors and puzzle enthusiasts worldwide.
His designs are celebrated not only for their difficulty but for the memorable experiences they create. Every Strijbos puzzle tells a story, rewards persistence, and encourages a deeper understanding of the object itself.
Why You'll Love It
Success requires patience, observation, creativity, and a willingness to explore every possibility. This is a puzzle designed for enthusiasts who enjoy discovery-driven challenges and hidden mechanical logic.
A Collector's Piece Worth Exploring
Few puzzles offer the opportunity to own a modern recreation of a design that helped launch the career of one of the world's most respected puzzle makers.
The First Puzzle Box is more than a challenge.
It is a rare glimpse into the early creativity of Wil Strijbos and a fascinating sequential discovery experience that belongs in every serious puzzle collection.
