This page was added to the expanded Crafty Puzzles reference library after the shop closed. It may not have been sold by the original Crafty Puzzles store.
Try a hint before revealing the answer
Open one hint at a time to preserve some of the challenge.
Hint 1
Look for the piece with slightly greater movement; it is likely to unlock the barrel.
Hint 2
Photograph the arrangement before several pieces come free so you can preserve orientation.
How to use the preserved instructions
Lay the pieces out in the same orientation as the component key. Work through the numbered stages in order and keep the assembly loose until the final locking movement.
Complete Nelson's Barrel Puzzle solution
Professor Puzzle retains Nelson’s Barrel in its official solutions catalogue.
Open the verified external solution guide
The linked guide documents the puzzle geometry and provides complete generated layouts. It opens on the original author’s website.
Source and verification
- Archive source
- Professor Puzzle official product record and solutions catalogue — Official product record
- Information checked
- 13 June 2026
- Verification status
- Official manufacturer record; solution retained externally
- Page status
- Added during archive research
- Rights handling
- Third-party source — link only — Crafty Puzzles provides its own summary and links to the original source for the full instructions or reference material rather than copying that material onto this site. Read the site-wide policy
