Art of Play - Playing Cards, Puzzles and Amusements

Charles Perry Ball Puzzle

Charles Perry Ball Puzzle - Main image
$130 $200 In stock

Category: Puzzles

This timeless treasure of mathematical art is a favorite among puzzle aficionados. After a long absence from the marketplace (and some astronomical prices for vintage copies), we are proud to announce that our diligent pestering of the Perry family has resulted in a brand new production run of the famous Charles O. Perry Ball Puzzle, originally created in 1967. Perry was a sculptor and designer known for creating monumental structures with elegant forms imbued with mathematic complexity. This puzzle features the same harmonious blend of aesthetics and engineering, yet it fits in the palm of your hand. Thoughtful details elevate the design to a piece worthy of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Truncated burr pieces interlock to create a rounded exterior, the solid brass rods are heavy in hand, and the solid key piece features a sprung ball bearing that “locks” into place once the puzzle has been solved. One of the finest examples of the intersection between puzzles and art, the Perry Ball deserves a place of honor in any collection of curios.

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Charles Perry Ball Puzzle

Designer

Charles O. Perry

Material

Metal and Brass

Puzzle Difficulty

Level 3, Intermediate

Size

1.65 x 1.65 Inches

Origin

United States

Customer Reviews (4.8 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Samuel ★★★★★

I'd been eyeing vintage copies of this ball puzzle for years, so finally getting one at a normal price was a win. The brass finish has real weight to it and the pieces rotate smoothly instead of grinding. Took me a full evening to solve, which is exactly what I wanted.

Violet Y. ★★★★★

The pieces slide with a satisfying click once you get the alignment right, and I've already lost a couple hours to it on my coffee table. Took me three evenings to solve the first configuration, which is exactly the kind of challenge I wanted.

Claire ★★★★★

I'd been hunting a vintage copy of this for years and couldn't justify the price, so getting a fresh one felt like a small win. The pieces have a nice machined heft and the fit is tight enough that it holds its shape mid-solve. Took me a solid evening to crack, and I didn't mind one bit.