Puzzle Boxes from Switzerland! 

Towards the end of the 19th century, puzzle boxes became a popular souvenir in a number of tourist destinations around the world. Local woodworkers typically produced the same trick box, without change, for generations.

At two locations, though, in an unusual outburst of creativity, a wide range of puzzle boxes emerged. In the Hakone region of Japan, the tradition continues still, to worldwide acclaim.

The output from the other one, based around Lake Brienz in Switzerland, had a different fate. It virtually disappeared after the 1st World War. By the 21st Century, only a few puzzle box enthusiasts knew about ‘Edelweiss boxes’ from a hundred years ago. Many of these boxes had the Edelweiss flower as part of the decoration, hence the name. The boxes were sold in various outlets around the Alps, mostly to visitors. 

This book is the first record of the amazing variety of boxes with secret openings that were created there, and of their various locking mechanisms.

The book also contains a treasure hunt. The first person to solve it will receive a special Edelweiss box. 

The two authors are Dr Peter Hajek and Frans de Vreugd. 

Hardback, 223 x 223mm, 132 pages. Copiously illustrated in colour. 

Grand Illusions are the only stockist of this book, and the total print run is 300 copies.