Just like a real cannon, the goal of this puzzle is to get the cannonball out of the barrel. You can hear the ball rattling around inside and you can even see it if you look carefully but the opening of the barrel is just slightly too small for the ball to escape…
There’s no simple, single move—no straightforward solution. This is a type of puzzle known as “sequential discovery” which means you’ll need to find the steps, and perhaps, discover hidden tools, to complete the challenge. The Brass Cannon Puzzle is based on a wooden version called “Cannon and Ball” which was described in Professor Hoffmann's book Puzzles Old and New in 1893.
Give it a shot! We think it’s a great introduction to one of our favourite genres of mechanical puzzles.