Some time ago I corresponded with Richard Kaufmanwho had been researching the magicianTheodore DeLand(1873-1931). DeLand had created a vanish puzzle calledLa Mysterieusein which I was interested -I had found some information on vanish puzzles in Richard's online publicationGenii Magazine.(The thread cited references a nice online vanish puzzle calledThe Bermuda Square-you candownload a PDF here.) In the course of our conversation Richard told me hehad found an illustration ofDeLand's Circle Puzzleand the only known set of instructions. No physical copies (originally printed on celluloid) are known to exist.Richard kindly gave me permission to re-create the puzzle and use it as my exchange at IPP35.I worked withPavel Curtis, who refined the design and laser-cut copies for me.I include a four-piece border as an aid - the puzzle is more difficult if you at first try it without the border.
Specifications
Designer
Theodore L. DeLand
Craftsman / Manufacturer
Pavel Curtis
Material
Pavel Curtis
Unit of Measurement
Inches
Size
6
Grade
(A) Collector: Flaws must be very minor, subtle, and difficult to identify.
Cosmetic Issues
none
Function
(1) Perfect: Neither loose nor tight, no binding or alignment issues, moves smoothly.