Allan Boardman

Allan Boardman is a retired aerospace engineer living in Woodland Hills, California. Like many other puzzle craftsmen, he is an avid woodworker. He is the only craftsman who makes miniature puzzles. Nearly all of his puzzles will fit into a one-half inch (13 mm) or less cubic space. Most of his puzzles are burrs with a few put-together puzzles and an impossible object or two. He calls himself a microxylometagrobologist. Roughly, this translates to "tiny, wood puzzle nut". All of his puzzles are complete working models, though I don't know of many people who put this to the test.

His puzzles are generally available for sale. Though most are in stock, he will take special orders. The wait time may be up to six months, but he is dependable and any wait is well worth it.

Checking Out Allan's Offerings

George Miller Checking Out Allan's Offerings

Price List

Nob's Never Ending Puzzle (Ebony, 1 inch (25 mm), $45): This clever, award winning 8-piece block puzzle, was designed by Nob Yoshigahara. It can be assembled to form many geometric shapes.

Mini 3-Piece Burr (Boxwood, 3/16 inch (5 mm), $30): The most fundamental of all burr puzzles. See Miniature Burrs

Mini 3-Piece Burr (Ebony, 3/16 inch (5 mm), $35): The "stealth" version. Same as above, but ebony on a black background making it difficult to see.

Circular Tangram (Ebony in a maple tray, 2 1/2 inches (63 mm), $45): A reproduction of a rare century-old design. A color copy of the original art is supplied.

Great Pagoda, 19-Piece Burr (Cherry, 1/2 inch (12 mm), $55): A beautiful crystal design. See Miniature Burrs
Heart to Heart (Maple, 1 1/4 inches (31 mm), $25): This simple disentanglement puzzle is a nice challenge for a beginner.

New Knot, 3-Piece Burr (Choc de Koke, 1/2 inch (12 mm), $40): New Knot was designed by Tad Muroi. A clever twist is involved in disassembly. See Miniature Burrs

New Knot In A Bottle ($55): Same as above, but assembled in a 2-inch nail polish bottle with a tiny opening.

The Fifth Avenue, a mini put-together puzzle, 1Ľ inches ($75): Nob designed this puzzle in the 1980s and won the first Hikimi Grad Prix in 1984. Made of five kinds of wood, in a handcrafted box.
The Loculus of Archimedes, a Tangram-type puzzle, 2 inches ($75)
: This 14-piece dissected square may well be the oldest known puzzle. Padauk puzzle pieces in an ash box.

Le Cube d'H, 12-Piece Burr (Rimu, 3/8 inch (10 mm), $45): A very clever burr designed by Jacques Frossard. See Miniature Burrs

9-Piece Anomalous Burr (Various, $350): A 3-piece burr inside a 3-piece burr inside a 3-piece burr. The "outside" burr is 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) and the "inside" burr is 1/16 inch (1.5 mm). This unique puzzle is available by special order only.

Windmill Tie Tack (14K Gold, 3/8 inch (10 mm), $300): Disassembly is possible, but not recommended. A spherical semiprecious gem stone is in the center of the puzzle. A wood version of this puzzle can be seen on the Miniature Burrs page. Can be worn as a tie tack or lapel pin.

Diagonal Star Burr (Maple, 1/2 inch (12 mm), $20): Classic diagonal burr with easy disassembly.

Mini Diagonal Star Burr (Boxwood, 1/5 inch (5 mm), $50): Same as above, but smaller and difficult to assemble. See Miniature Burrs

Die Box, 2-Piece Cube (Padauk, 3/4 inch (19 mm), $25): Wooden cube with die markings. Slides open.

Soma Cube (Rosewood, 1 inch (25 mm), $40): The Piet Hein classic in miniature.

2-Piece Tetrahedron (Rosewood, 1 inch (25 mm), $30): An elegant classic puzzle.

4-Piece Tetrahedron (Rosewood, 1 inch (25 mm), $40): A slightly more challenging version of the above.

Mini Windmill, 12-Piece Burr: A 12-piece burr with a tiny ball in the center. See Miniature Burrs

Micro Windmill (Boxwood, 1/7 inch (3.5 mm), $150): Same as above, but much smaller with a very tiny ball in the center. See Miniature Burrs

Altekruse, 12-piece burr, red ivory, 5/16 inch ($45): Famous burr in a rare and beautiful wood.

Six-Piece Burr, boxwood, 1/4 inch ($35): Version found in Wyatt's Puzzles in Wood

Tippi-Top (Ebony and boxwood, 3/4 inch (19 mm), $25): A version of the top that turns itself over and spins upside-down.

Impossible Nail (Pine, 3 inches (76 mm), $20): An iron nail in a pine block.

Cherry Pi, cherry, 2 inches ($20): A take-off on the classic "T" puzzle.

Parcel Post, cherry pieces in a walnut box, 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches ($250): Copy of a wonderful 100 year-old packing puzzle.

All prices are effective May 6, 1997 and include shipping. Mini and micro puzzles are packaged in display cases. Suggestions and custom orders are welcome. Contact Allan via email at ajboardman@aol.com to place an order and arrange payment. Or write to:

Allan J. Boardman
4953 Escobedo Drive
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

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