Tomašić Mystery Sphere: A Modern Take on Victorian Treen

Unlock a centuries-old secret with this contemporary reimagining of the Victorian puzzle ball. Originally handcrafted in the 19th century to conceal snuff, gold sovereigns, or personal keepsakes, these "treen" (small woodenware) masterpieces were the peak of woodturning ingenuity.

Tomasic Woodturning revives this classic tradition, blending historical mystery with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

Product Features

• The Secret: A precision-fit hidden compartment. One tactile, hand-turned disc acts as a push-button to reveal the inner chamber.

• Seamless Grain: Meticulously turned from a single block of premium hardwood to ensure the "puzzle" seams are virtually invisible.

• Modern Tactility: Deep, concentric grooves highlight the natural wood grain and provide a satisfying, meditative feel in the hand.

• Versatile Design: A sophisticated desk accessory or a secure place for jewelry, pills, or small treasures.

Handcrafted Quality

Every sphere is a custom-made heirloom, finished to a smooth, durable patina that will only improve with age and handling.

HISTORY

1. The Victorian "Puzzle Ball"

In Victorian England (approx. 1850–1900), woodturners began creating these spheres as a more affordable, wooden alternative to the incredibly expensive ivory "devil’s work balls" coming from China. While the ivory versions featured nested spheres carved inside one another, the Victorian wooden versions were designed as functional secret boxes.

2. Common Historical Uses

These weren't just toys; they were practical "pocket puzzles" used to conceal small, valuable, or personal items:

• Snuff: One of the most common uses was as a novelty snuff box.

• Sovereigns: They were the perfect size to hide a few gold sovereign coins.

• Rouge: Ladies often used them to carry rouge or other small cosmetics discreetly.

• Keepsakes: They frequently held locks of hair or small notes of affection.

3. The "Secret" Mechanism

The classic Victorian design often featured six raised discs or "bosses." The "puzzle" was identifying which specific disc was actually a concealed plug. When pushed in the correct way, it would release a small, internal wooden cylinder that held the contents.

4. Tunbridge Ware & Inlay

Many original Victorian spheres were decorated with Tunbridge ware—an intricate form of decorative inlay made from tiny tesserae of different colored woods. This gave them a mosaic-like appearance that was highly popular in the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

5. Why They Disappeared

As mass-produced metal and plastic containers became common in the early 20th century, the demand for hand-turned treen puzzles declined. Because they required such high levels of precision—often turned entirely by eye without templates—few woodturners continued the tradition, making them rare collector's items today.