Million Dollar Antique Puzzle Desks From The 1800's 

I have ALWAYS been fascinated by furniture like this since i was a child. Idk why either but theyre just amazing.

Picture great houses teaming with servants. That’s why locks and safes and hidden compartments became popular. Some older English houses also had places to hide Catholic sacraments and even priests! Obviously these were pushed past practicality as art for its own sake. So cool. Thanks for sharing these.

Many of these items were created to showcase a woodworker's skill. DEFINITELY a flex by today's standards. They were usually paraded around in more affluent circles where the people who saw them would be more willing and able to order additional pieces from the craftsman. You gotta be able to keep up with the Rockefellers, or you might not be invited to the next brunch at the Canterbury. :)

Just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for you as one of my all-time favorite content creators for the past two years! Your consistent delivery of captivating puzzle content has truly been a journey worth embarking on. Thank you for continually sharing such wonderful and fascinating content. Can't wait for those major projects you have in the pipeline!

These pieces (the Roentgen ones) were far more than just a flex on friends, and could cost as much as a large country estate (hard to do direct currency value comparisons to that time period. The famous Berlin secretary cabinet was built for the King of Prussia by Abraham and David Roentgen's shop in the 1780's. Other famous pieces of that caliber were made in the late 1700's for monarchs around Europe (they were just about the only entities that could afford to commission such pieces). The complexity of the mechanisms and detail work world be difficult to produce today, but this stuff was all conceived and hand-built in the lead up to the industrial revolution. The Met published an awesome book about the Roentgens called "Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens". I highly recommend that for anyone that likes quality coffee table books.

Spectacular! I had an antique Queen Anne secretary in my bedroom growing up. It had 2 secret hidey-holes and I was obsessed with them. These, of course, are a whole different level!

These safe's are beautiful as in works of art. The work gone into these is incredible, so intricate. It's a pleasure to watch this. A great video - another classic from Chris!

to my knowledge, desks such as these have two purposes in general, they are used as a safe of sorts, keeping missives private as well as anything else you might want to keep away from wandering eyes and fingers of the servants, (payrolls, deeds, letters, small bits of jewellery and the like) who would be working for you, as you would almost undoubtedly have servants to afford these sort of furniture pieces in the first place. Some of these sorts of desks are meant for display and to be shown off, with some of the more elaborate meant to be a showcase of their maker's skill.

Furniture and accessories like these are super satisfying to me. Beautiful works of art with crazy and meticulous designs that just ooze with Da Vinci like craftsmanship. Chefs kiss. Chris, please, make more of these types of videos

Since I was a wee lad I *always* loved these puzzle desks and super complex strong boxes. In fact is this kind of furniture what made me fall in love with puzzles in general. Imagining the kind of stuff people used to hide in all those secret compartments is a joy by itself.

_LOVE_ stuff like this! I'm 100% with you on wanting to see the inner workings of safe doors & locking mechanisms.... it tickles a particular part of my brain to see such intricate yet robust _and_ functional engineering. 💜 I suspect many of the antique desks are from old-money wealthy families and royal or royal-adjacent collections.... European aristocracy have long had a fascination with puzzles & furnishings with hidden secrets. A more recent example is the Fabergé egg collection commissioned by the Romanov Tsars of Russia, which are not just masterpieces in their own right but frequently contained hidden surprises inside the egg for the Empress or Tsarina to discover.

My grandad, an Antique dealer had a couple French(I believe) puzzle Desks at one time. He said they were a form of Entertainment in their day. I had the pleasure of actually finding 4 extra hidden drawers on each. I think he sold both for six figure each - and that was back in the 70's. He gave me a few Chinese Puzzle box's - most complicated one - 30 moves. Love then and all the Puzzles YOU do!

That was absolutely sick! The desk and safes are nothing less than works of art! Imagine the amount of time it took, not only to build, but the depth of imagination it took to design. Hell, I'd love to get my hands on the prototypes they produced prior to the finished piece. I would love to see a video of each piece featuring it's creator, the pre-production scetches, final blue prints, assembly process, when and where it was made, the materials used...the whole nine yards! WOW! How cool would it be, to order a DIY home kit? Thanks for sharing Chris, you're awesome! Keep up the great work, and WE ALL look forward to the what you have coming up!

I'd say the fact the first wooden desks were kept in immaculate state 150-250 yrs (I assume some of the springs may have been replaced but the inlays and edges/carvings would be much harder to restore) shows that they weren't produced for daily use. I wouldn't be surprised if this trend started as a couple of secret compartments that were really used for document safekeeping, particularly by important people (although I'd imagine these being personal secrets like a mistress's letters), only for people to build more and more secret compartments into desks. Not for use (not in the least because it is evident these are puzzle desks, ergo, is a secret compartment still really secret if people know they are there?). They probably would have display value in the awe of opening up the desk, but also, all of this shows the immaculate craftsmanship of the maker. I wouldn't be surprised if the maker of the desk also let people know the solution upon receiving the desk, although at the same time, people have always enjoyed riddles and puzzles. The really sturdy metal door/sequential puzzle accessing the desk definitely seems more useful as a protected workspace, and the metal is going to show fewer signs of wear and tear upon frequent use. In that case, the solution would be known to the maker and to the owner of the desk, because the owner would want to be using it. Speaking of displays: Rich people have always done this. The most gorgeous medieval manuscripts tend to be in good condition as well, also because they weren't used particularly often (and these were commonly made in Paris, not by monks/in monasteries). They were specifically made to be displayed, which indeed, was a way for their owners to show how much money they had to spend on the absolute best craftsmen they could find.

OMG I was blown away by these - both the antique ones and the metal ones. They are soooo beautiful and intricate - I imagine people kept their jewels, coins, title deeds etc in those secret compartments but how lovely to keep them in gorgeous surroundings. I too am a fan of the National Treasure films and would love to see another one incoporating one of these desks. Please make more - I love watching them and your reactions to them 🥰

A lot of the puzzles definitely gave off THE ROOM & NATIONAL TREASURE vibes! Especially the desk popping multiple boxes & the Italian safe! 😊❤

Love those desks and safes/lock boxes. Ingenious. Happy to watch more of these.

Keep up the great work. I’ve been following you for some years now. The content is spot on.

The goal of these was to showcase craftsmanship and engineering. They would show off these pieces at a show and executives and royals who liked their best would purchase from them. Basically advertising.

These are beautiful works of art! Loved watching these pieces being opened. I also love the National Treasure movies and agree with you Chris that there needs to be another one.

The engineering and architecture in the 1800's are incredible. The buildings from that time are spectacular. I would think some of the first wardrobes or chests were for entertainment value, as theater props or even magic tricks? The desks or pop out writing surfaces on the later ones have a safe element to them, with all the hidden buttons and such. These could have easily been part of secret clubs or societies and used for keeping belongings or idea's safe. They would have a wow factor for guests but I don't imagine the owner would show everyone where his secrets are kept. The safes towards the end that have multiple keys and all the different locking mechanisms I would guess are another form of anti theft. Not only do they need the keys but the "code" of how to unlock it. Not being able to just pick or cut one lock or bolt. Great video as always.

What always fascinates me about these puzzle pieces is the knowledge that has to get passed down through generations / apprentices to get something so intricate. But also, I think that creation of mechanized time probably influenced these creations in Europe. Without clocks, would these have been possible? Time was key in both ways, I think, which is just so cool. Thanks for the vid!

We had these types of furniture at our family home when I was young. The secret drawers were used to hide valuables; jewellery, bullion and the like that were needed to be at hand. Generally, items were hidden from guests, staff, and thieves.

We used to have a writing desk with considerably fewer compartments, but the idea was the same. Hiding important documents, and personal treasures. There’s typically one or two “hidden” compartments, which are fairly easy to find, and one or more, complicated hidden compartments. You would leave a few slightly valuable trinkets in the easy to find compartments, and your sensitive stuff in the hard to find areas. They find the easy items, and leave.

As a veteran, I can see this being good for the sensitive materials, and weapons. Also as a father, good place to hide the good snacks from the kids

I've been on Vero for about a year myself and I love it. I'm building my photography business and sharing my images there is much better than any other place.

I love the idea of having to turn the key in various specific ways, like some kind of a key-combination lock hybrid! That Italian safe with the different levels of the key turning and being put in at different depths is the coolest thing ever to me, and so is that other one with the arrow dials! I've always loved the idea of combining a key with a code, where both at once are required to open the lock rather than one with the other as a backup. Or, having some kind of trickery with the key, where it's not as simple as turning it! It's 2-factor authentication built into the safe! It's SO SO COOOOL!!! 🤩 OOH, OOH, imagine a key with buttons that change the physical shape or bitting of the key! You insert it one way, do some stuff, and press buttons while it's still inside and it changes so you can do other stuff! How cool would that be?! Or perhaps have the key be itself a dial to a combination lock, where there's a little arrow on the handle and number markings around the keyhole, and you can't input the combination except by turning the key! SO COOL!

I've seen 1 in RL. It is crazy. My hairdresser had 1. She had inherited it from her grandad. It was used to storage papers from his business and his wives jewelries. She had to get a Professional to help her to open it. She then find something really special that she never told anyone. But I know the police were there, so I have a feeling it was a skull or bones in it.

That ladder and ball illusion was incredible and the people of that era loved to make life interesting.

Thanks for the mention Chris, glad you are happy with how your pieces came out, the grail is still my favorite. Great video as always!

I'm loving this new content! Loved the intro. Appreciate you taking us on this journey with you and taking fan input and molding that into your own twist. ❤

I’ve only recently discovered your works… maybe over the last 8 months. I’ve watched it all and wait impatiently for the next new video! Just wanted to say thank you for all that you do and have done, looking forward to more new stuff.

I love these puzzle works of art. It would be a life dream for me to own something like this or to just have access to a masterpiece like this from time to time. Thank you for sharing these. I look forward to seeing your personal puzzle desk.

Those were some awesome puzzle desks and puzzle safes but the thing I get a kick out of the most is watching you how excited you get even when you are opening one yourself I get such a kick out of watching you do that. Thanks for the video Chris

I could keep watching this for hours. Please make more videos on the antique furniture puzzles. Your videos are always fascinating and engaging. ❤️

I love that you referenced National Treasure. It's depiction of the resolute desk inspired me! I actually drew up drafts of a personalizable strong box using just pegs as the locking mechanism.

I really enjoyed this!! Thank you for sharing these beautiful works of art and creativity. I would love to see more videos like this. ❤

Beautiful boxes. Love to see more like them.

This was amazing, definitely enjoyed your reactions and all of the incredible desks, you could put soo many different things in those desks lol, the Socrates one stands out, maybe some crystals and incense for a meditation spot.. the German one was incredible and even with its beauty it still had the presence of harshness which is definitely a part of life. Definitely watching this again

This was really something different, and I liked that a lot! These puzzle desks and antique safes are so beautiful and artsy! Would love to see this kind of video from time to time. 👍

I have been a locksmith for 22yrs and these intricate safes are amazing.

Really enjoyed this, Chris! I agree with you, I always want another hidden compartment (& another, & another...) The beautiful craftsmanship makes these examples extra special, too.

First, everyone has secrets so there is a need to keep them secret. Secondly, it is a showcase of the furniture maker's art. Thirdly, to have a piece by such an artist was indeed a flex.

Ooohhh, can't wait to see this video! Puzzle furniture is so cool!

Astonishingly gorgeous craftsmanship with unparalleled ingenuity. More please!

Love it when you introduce new/old puzzle creators..love to follow them as well.

I’m blown away by the Intricate details and the steps needed to open those antique vaults! Yes another National Treasure movie would be very cool.Thanks for sharing that Chris,I always thought those desks with multiple hidden compartments were just movie props,to see they’re indeed real is amazing.

All the furniture and boxes were absolutely satisfying and beautifully crafted!

Amazing Mechanical design. The build quality is next level. Thank you for sharing with us.

That was incredible Chris! Thanks for sharing.

That was awesome. The time and laying everything out to work so perfectly. Love hidden compartments. You 16:09

can't wait to see your videos. love seeing them, thanks to you I'm hooked escape puzzles/games

Great video. Definitely would love to see more like em. I was wondering about that Pirate Desk. Hope to see that in the future.

Hidden compartment desks were used when banks didn't exist or weren't readily available. Money and documents could then be stored safely and securely. Tyx, I luv these desks.

Absolutely loved it Chris! Look forward to seeing many more. Stay safe and keep solving! Regards, Myk

How cool are these puzzle desks DAAMN! Love your videos man!

Imagine a coffee bar hidden in a wooden desk. That would shock people. The desk would look nice and if you open it up to an awesome coffee bar. That would be next level.

Very nice video idea! Please more of it, these boxes are awesome.

Ty for sharing so many amazing puzzle boxes with us im addicted to your channel ❤

Awesome work Chris, and cant wait for the big one. Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy making it man.

Thanks for the pict of the finished desk. Was wondering if it ever got done and what it looked like! Beautiful 😍

This episode was awesome! Something different but still a puzzle. I had no clue they made them like this.

Enjoyed the video! Thank you for all you bring and share to the world.

Loved this thanks. Looking forward for more.

Great video! Those desks are out of this world.

Very cool stuff, thanks Chris.

Enjoy this??? Hell, yes! When watching either a puzzle or magic video of yours, I simply sit in amazement with a big stupid grin on my face. These are incredibly wonderful pieces of art. Thanks so much for sharing them with us, Chris, especially the inside of the doors. The mechanisms are magnificant.

You know you want one Chris, as you said, they are a work of art

As a proud owner of regal/royal cabinet accredited to the Belgian royal family, from the mid 1800s, Leopold I to be exact, I can tell you that these desks and hidden compartments were actually used to store valuables and documents. Just to give an example: some compartments held items like a royal seal stamp to seal letters, jewelry like pocket-watches and royal seal rings, letters that required high confidentiality concerning overseas colonies or mistresses, even a compartment suited for a firearm and extra bullets.

Those safes are a thing of beauty with the metal work! That first one would have been awesome with a clear back so we could see the actual movements👍

fantastically amazingly fabulous! I loved seeing these gorgeous artistic beautifully crafted mystery creations. (And being able to see how they operate)❤

This reminds me of back in the day when you'd sit at your desk and talk/react... Nothing makes me enjoy your videos more than simply just watching you be passionate about things that you love. (Magic preferably, but puzzles and illusions, too) I miss your card trick vids, but I'm always rooting for you, in everything you do❤

Love seeing these amazing pieces.

That's a stunning "I Put it Somewhere Safe" Cabinet. Wow.

Nice!!! Would love to see more like these!

This was by far one of my favorite videos that you have posted!!!! If at all possible please do more! I felt like a kid in the candy store 🤯🤍🙏🏽

Love this, awesome puzzles

Looking forward to the future puzzle! ❤

as a fabricator, and a car guy, I love stuff like this for its mechanical aspects. Id have to take it apart to watch how the mechanisms work

Honestly as someone who studied antiques in college(funny enough because of watching National Treasure at 15) alot of those items were just made to show off money OR in important instances to hide important documents/items(IE King Alberto's writing desk). Like certain drawers they knew "Only i will know my deed to the house is in here and this drawer holds a $4k ring" meanwhile in other houses it was more of a "HAHA look at all this money I have I can buy tables with different compartments because I can afford the nice wood/gold gilding and you cant" but without knowing the original owner we cant say which had a true purpose. Same with booby traps, in nicer houses they held a real purpose with their expensive items but in lower income areas they were just a 'haha i can afford to do this'.

My uneducated opiniion and i could be and probably am completely wrong but i think these desks may have actually been used as desks in someones home office or at some large prestigious office. I say thsy because they are functional as a desk. They are a huge novely but i think they are functional novelties as well. If i had the money and the need for a desk i would definitely get one just because they are so unique and just so cool. This reminds me of my uncle who passed away. He hid things. Money, jewelry, antiques everywhere in his house. He built hiding places in his library shelves that noone would ever know were there. Alot of compatments in walls around the housethat visually you cannot seethe lines where ot was cit into to make the compartments. We knew where alot of them are but we are still finding new hidden compartments. Its like a treasure hunt when we go there. These desks are amazing.

These are amazing. And I agree with you, National Treasure is one of my favorite movies too.

These are insane. Just gorgeous

I loved the National Treasure movies too. There was a hidden feature on the DVD of the first one where you entered a certain 3 digit code, it lead you to a puzzle game hosted by Riley, the main character's sidekick. It was a lot of fun playing it. You had to solve a bunch of different messages using different cyphers throughout history. If you like puzzles and you still have the original DVD of the movie, I highly recommend playing it. One of the inserts has where you would solve the math problems to get the code to enter the hidden feature.

This is always amazing to watch! I am pretty sure some of the less intricate designs (for desks) were to be able to hide paperwork and money and valuables. But I also think some were statement pieces of wealth. I could be wrong though. They are fascinating none the less! A great video & I can't wait to see what is to come!😊

That was fun ! Keep this coming 😁

Love this type of stuff. It always fascinates me. My daughter just bought me your escape game for my birthday and I can’t wait to get into it with the family.

Love this type of video from you, thumbs up!

Awesome love your site your puzzles are amazing truly love watching you ty

Loved this video and would love to see more like it.

At a time when I was considering leaving the internet for any kind of entertainment, because almost everything leaves your brain just flat and unimpressed. Your page has rekindled my interest and my brain is motivated once again.

I haven't seen you for a while ..glad you're back!! 😊

So, you're like a cat: you enjoy boxes of boxes within boxes! 🤣🤣🤣 (And I agree: we need more installments of the "National Treasure" series!)

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your channels and all the content you present. You are such a creative individual and one of the great content creators, out there. I really enjoy watching your various videos and hope that you will continue to share your creativity, experience and genius with us. Hope you are doing well, in your own right, as well. As Stan Lee was fond of saying, EXCELSIOR!

Love your magic content... Was immediately drawn to this vid as soon as I saw it; more please) Fascinated by the pure brain power in must have taken to create something like the desk 100's of years ago. And of course what's being done today. Bravo sir!

Loved it, want more !!!

It's always cool to see what vision you want to share.

Love watching you all the way from Australia 🇦🇺 you soft voice and amazing ability to solve puzzles do wonders for my adhd so thanks you soooo much keep up the amazing videos xxxx

If Chris could get one of these locks to Lumafield, that would be an interesting video. A collab with Tested would generate a ton of content, building puzzles, nerding out over movies, magic props, etc.

Seen a few desks with secret compartments but these are fantastic wow.