Disentanglement Puzzle, Nail Puzzle

Description:

This disentanglement puzzle consists of two entangled bent nails that are to be separated.

A solution to the puzzle is given in a 1920 A.C. Gilbert publication cited below. Slocum and Botermans discuss the history of the puzzle.

Compare MA.335296, MA.335928, and one of the puzzles in MA.335288.

References:

A.C. Gilbert Company, Book of Instructions for Use with Gilbert Puzzle Parties. . . ., New Haven: A.C. Gilbert Company, 1920, p. 6. A copy of this booklet is online at gamearchives.org, accessed July 26, 2017.

Jerry Slocum and Jack Botermans, Puzzles Old & New: How to Make and Solve Them, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1986, esp. p. 97.

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: Mathematics, Mathematical Recreations

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Edith R. Meggers

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.335928Catalog Number: 335928Accession Number: 314637

Object Name: Puzzlepuzzle

Physical Description: metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: .8 cm x 5.1 cm x 3.4 cm; 5/16 in x 2 in x 1 11/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-2aa6-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_694617

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.