Burr Puzzles


Classic Burr Puzzle

Jerry Slocum & Jack Botermans (Puzzles Old & New, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1992, page 66) indicate that a Burr Puzzle is an interlocking geometric puzzle composed of notched rods that posses a high degree of external symmetry. The history of puzzles of this type date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The 6 piece puzzle pictured here was available as early as 1875, and when assembled creates a star shape. The Museum acquired this copy in 1972.

Slocum & Botermans report that mathematicians have used computers to determine that of the thousands of possible notched rods that might be attempted to be used to create Burr Puzzles, only 369 shapes will do. However, it is to be noted that mixing and matching of the 369 useable shapes results in the ability to create 119,979 different Burr Puzzles!

Plastic Rods

Originally made of wood, the example in the photo at the left illustrates that some burr puzzles are now often made of plastic rods. The 6 plastic pieces are 3.9cm long x 1.2cm wide x 1.2cm high. The Museum acquired this puzzle in 1972, and when assembled, it creates a star shape.

Constellation Puzzle

Similarly, the Constellation Puzzle on the right, acquired in 1973, is composed of 6 notched bright red transparent plastic pieces 2.6cm long x .5cm wide. Included with this puzzle is a hollow sphere, which unscrews to form 2 identical pieces. When the 6 notched pieces are assembled correctly they form a star which fits into the sphere cover (4cm in diameter).


Some Other Burr Puzzles in the collection

Chuck Puzzle Chuck Puzzle:

Acquired in 1973, this puzzle is based upon an extension of the original 6 piece Burr Puzzle.The original was patented in 1897 by Edward Nelson. Subsequently, the design was elaborated upon by a number of others. The Museum copy is a 12 piece "chuck" - but although there are a 24 piece, a 54 piece, and a 96 piece chuck puzzle, these are not in collection!

Oval Puzzle Oval Puzzle:

Similar to the preceding puzzle, this puzzle is composed of 8 notched wooden pieces which when assembled correctly forms a figure that is 6.5cm in diameter.

Circular Puzzle Circular Puzzle:

Acquired in 1973, this puzzle is composed of 8 notched wooden pieces which when assembled correctly forms a figure that is 6cm in diameter.

Devil's Knot Devil's Knot:

Acquired in 1972, this puzzle is composed of 6 notched plastic pieces 5cm long x 4.7cm wide x 5cm high, which when assembled correctly forms a cross.

NOTE: This page was originally created and posted on the Web on October 6, 1997. Subsequently it has been modified and periodically updated. Last update April 7, 2010