Endeavors to Preserve

I’ve been meaning to write about this box for quite a while but haven’t gotten around to it until now, it seems. I don’t know why I have been resisting it … it’s not as though I have been idle, or sluggish. Whatever the reason, something has now forced me to share it with you.

IRMO box by Eric Fuller

If you are lucky, you have seen this gorgeous box in the wild for yourself. Perfectly sized to fit comfortably in the hand, the IRMO box by North Carolina craftsman and free spirit Eric Fuller utilizes a unique locking mechanism which he invented in a moment of true inspiration. The box is beautifully crafted from red paduak wood and has maple accents. There are a few subtle movements of the panels, what appears to be a lid, and a distinctive circular script reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings inscribed on the bottom panel. Perhaps a clue? Speak, friend, and enter …

So mysterious ...

The production value of this box is incredible, from the beautiful wood choices, to the evocative elvin script, to the hidden mechanism which is also a thing of beauty and a work of art on its own. Fuller has artistically encased the workings in acrylic to allow you to marvel at it once solved, but photos would give it away. The clue might have you trying some odd things. For example, I once reached out to a friend and fellow puzzler who I know had solved this one already. He’s a bloke who enjoys being puzzled, apparently. I mentioned that I had been literally running around with it, trying to solve it. He offered the brilliant insight that he, on the other hand, preferred to sit while solving his copy. It was good advice. The IRMO box won a first prize at the 28th International Puzzle Design Competition.

Newton's Special c. 1930

For no particular reason I decided to pair this marvelous mystery box with a classic cocktail found in the original Savoy Cocktail Book, which has been called the “coolest book in the world”. It was penned by famed bartender Harry Cradock, who developed his cocktail skills in America. He returned to his London home in the 1930’s during Prohibition and set up shop as head barman of the swanky style emporium, The American Bar at The Savoy Hotel. His cocktail book was his one and only compendium of all things Art Deco and the amazing drinks of the day, many of which he was credited for inventing. The American Bar remains the oldest running bar in London today and continues to garner acclaim, being recently named “Best Bar in the World”, again. One cool cocktail from the original cool cocktail bar for this award winningly cool cryptic container, coming right up. Cheers!

Try apple brandy this time of year for an "Especially Newton's Special"

Newton’s Special from the Savoy Cocktail Book c. 1930

1 ½ oz Brandy

½ oz Cointreau

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Lime twist.

You won't have to force yourself to enjoy this pair

For more from this artist see: