Dovetail Jewel Box

puzzle box

Jan 19

Hidden Gem

Sometimes a good puzzle is the best gift in the world. I’m sure not everyone feels this way but there are plenty of us who do. My friend Robert Sandfield certainly understands this. Back in 2003 he created the Dovetail Jewel Box, which he exchanged to his fellow puzzlists as his gift in Chicago that year. It’s a puzzle box, my favorite kind of puzzle. And it's so damn puzzling! When he dreamed up the idea, Robert set out to create something devious that his friends would nonetheless enjoy and recognize in the sense of an “inside joke”, so to speak, and to pack it completely full of pranks. As many know, there are a number of standard or classic ways to solve a puzzle box. This leads an experienced “solver” to try out various routine methods. Robert set out to fool these people, to create a box full of ideas, and to lead his victims (still his friends, mind you) on a wild goose chase, such that no matter how often something seemed sure to work, alas, it didn’t.

Dovetail Jewel Box by Robert Sandfield and Perry McDaniel

What does this all have to do with rubbing a dead fish on the trail to fool the blood hounds? (A great non-sequitur, no?) Apparently, this was what English journalist William Cobbett claimed he would do with cured salted herring to throw the hunting dogs off the scent – as a joke, I presume, back in 1805. It was the first reference to a “red herring”, a ploy well loved by Robert Sandfield and his brother Norman in their puzzles. Perry McDaniel, who crafted the beautiful Jewel Boxes, replete with contrasting woods, a slightly odd brass key, a prominent escutcheon (Robert claims to have learned this word thanks to this box), a decorative button on top and a telltale dovetail on the front, relates that he felt sure the box would fool no one, and would be opened quickly by all. It was presented in a black bag with the notable (and unique to the Sandfield puzzle series) absence of a label. In fact the label is there, but is debossed (another word Robert claims to have learned from this experience) – a subtlety that Robert claims was only ever mentioned by Margot Slocum.

It might cause you to become unhinged

Nonetheless, and despite any reservations, Perry performed his usual magic in producing the set of stunning boxes with his impeccable precision and flair. Perry recounts later understanding that Robert was absolutely correct, as he watched Robert’s nephew systematically work his way through every single red herring on the box with no luck. Robert relates that the original idea started simply, borrowing something he saw on a Frank Chamber’s box (22A-1), but using it as a decoy. That’s where any similarity ends, as Robert added numerous additional red herrings specifically for puzzlers to appreciate. Fittingly, Robert recalls coming up with all of the tricks in the box, but credits Perry with the actual real locking mechanism. After the puzzle exchange in Chicago, Robert notes he was struck by something his grand-niece observed as she attempted the puzzle. This led to yet another misdirection. Robert actually added two additional features to the Jewel Box after the original exchange puzzles were handed out, which are only found on the remaining boxes he had left over. These delights are all to be found in the instruction booklet, which Robert also felt should entertain his friends. It’s quite humorous, and takes the solver through no fewer than ten steps … which are irrelevant … before revealing the correct solution. The Dovetail Jewel Box is truly a puzzle jewel of a puzzle box, one that pays homage to so many great puzzle boxes that came before it.

The Jewel Box Cocktail

To toast this marvelous jewel of a box I’ve created a jewel of a drink. This one is perfect for “Dry January”, a public health campaign started by the British non-profit group Alcohol Concern in 2013. The “event” has gained traction each year, so why not join in here as well. I’ve featured plenty of non-alcoholic drinks before actually, which I call “unlocked cocktails” and tend to pair with puzzle locks. It’s always nice to have something really interesting to offer friends who don’t drink at all.

This one features “golden milk”, a delicious treat made from homemade coconut milk, turmeric and honey. Who knew cocktails could be so healthy! The coconut milk is incredibly simple to make by blending coconut flakes with water and then straining. Store bought coconut milk will do just as nicely. Add turmeric and honey to taste. To this delicious "base spirit" we add fresh lime juice, a little turbinado sugar, and a splash of blood orange soda. It would also be delicious with ginger soda if that's your preference. Enjoy one of these whenever you need to keep your wits about you, such as if someone presents you with this puzzle box. Here’s to finding plenty of hidden jewels this year. Cheers!