from "J11"-11 January 2004:
hello all

not sure if anyone can help, but I have owned for some time a very old puzzle that was invented and designed by Mrs Elspeth Eagle-Clarke for Chad Valley depicting animals, birds, dragons, mermaids, ships and witches. It's very unusual in the fact it doesn't make up a complete picture as in regular puzzles, but more like individual very colourful characters united in one rectangle.

I have always thought maybe this was a prototype of an early 'jigsaw'. If any one could give me any information as to what it is or it's history I would very much appreciate it.

Regards

"J11"
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from Keith--20 January 2004:
Hi Jim

This is a very interesting find, ( try and get a picture) I feel sure that J11 is describing "Dragonland" a very desirable and scarce puzzle from the 1930's.

Chad Valley in their Catalogue listed it as " Puzzle for the Connoisseur " its Cat. No. is 3036 and was described thus:-

As some rare specimen is to the collector so is this puzzle to the jig-saw enthusiast - a puzzle of such unusual character that we, with our years of experience have seen nothing to equal it.

And how shall it be described ? Imagine Puck summoning all the Elfin creatures, the birds, the beasts and even Man, and arranging them in one glorious symphony of colour for the dedication of his queen, Titania.

This fantasy reproduced in glowing hues by a gifted artist, has been cunningly cut from wood by skilled workers. Every, elf, swan, mermaid and fish, is a picture in itself, colourful and complete, yet each dovetailing together into the brilliant design we illustrate.

" Every piece a picture " ( Supplied to Her Majesty the Queen)

No. 3036 DRAGONSLAND 10/6 No. 3035 ELFIN 7/6

Patent No. 407185

( Doesn't that description make you want to go out and hunt this one down). This was the height of Chad Valley craftsmanship unlike the inflated GWR puzzles which are frankly over-rated and usually of indifferent quality.

Regards,
Keith
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from "ROC"--10 January 2007:
Dear Puzzler
I have just discovered your web site, I was interested in the comments by Keith, 2004. as I was given a Dragon Land puzzle as a child 65 to 70 years ago. It is missing the box , but the trays and lid still survive and the puzzle is still fascinating to all the children who come into my home. If you are interested, I have attached photos of the puzzle and the lid illustration. Two small pieces are missing . I must try to replace them. Cherio.
"ROC"
" Dragon's Land ",
box lid illustration, " Dragon's Land ".
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from Jim McW--12 January 2007:
We are very grateful for your sharing this treasure with us. Keith says this is a quite scarce puzzle. This is the first time we have had the chance to see a picture of it.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Jim McW--12 April 2008:
Someone has very kindly sent us pictures of another, similar version of this amazing puzzle:

" Dragon's Land ",
" Dragon's Land ",
" Dragon's Land ",

Thanks, Jim McW
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from "JG"-- 4 November 2008:

Dear Jim,
After reading your site whilst doing some research for my mother on "The Elfin" Jigsaw, I thought you might like some images of this most intricate and mischievous puzzle!

" Elfin Jigsaw ", Chad Valley

box, " Elfin Jigsaw "

It is mentioned by a few of your contributors to your site, but no-one seemed to have a full jigsaw in "Good" quality. Well I think my mother has it! There are no pieces missing, albeit slight damage to several. the printing is still virtually intact!

The box has a little more damage, but comes with its three original "Shelves" for sorting each of the pieces into, and no sellotape has been used to "repair" it, therefore no messy yellow marks"

After finally working the jigsaw out I managed to scan it. Unfortunately it was too big for the scanner, but with the marvels of modern software these days, I scanned it in 2 pieces and put it together digitally....

Also included in the images is the note within the jigsaw stating that it was forwarded by

H.M. The Queen as a gift to the Primary Department's Stall, Astley Bridge Baptist School, Bolton on the occasion of the Bazaar held the 18th, 19th and 21st October, 1933.

Please reply with your comments and please, feel free to add this information to your website!