[2098]from "BG"-- 6 February 2010:

Hi,

I love your web site and have used it many, many times to research puzzles. I collect mainly Springbok, and your listings and pictures are fantastic!!!!

I have recently found the Eaton puzzles to be similar to the Springbok brand. I know they are not still made, but do you have a listing of the puzzles that were made, or know of a place where I could get a listing? It would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance!!
"BG"

***************
from Jim McW -- 7 February 2010:

As we said in no. 2096, above, we know of very few puzzle manufacturers who publish lists of all the puzzles they have ever released. All the lists that I remember seeing were compiled by puzzle enthusiasts, painstakingly, usually over a number of years.
In that spirit, (and because we love Eaton puzzles, too!) we have posted a list of the Eaton titles (that we know of) on our EATON page.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2099]from "PMA"-- 29 August 2009:

Jim,
I have come across an old puzzle (the box is marked -20) from a German company Hinkel & Kutschbach. It containes 2 double sided puzzles of very simple cut.

Do you know anything about the company or the type of puzzle?

Many regards
"PMA"
box illustration (children playing)
label
note
children playing
(another scene - one of four puzzles)
children playing
(another scene - one of four puzzles)
children playing
(another scene - one of four puzzles)
children playing
(another scene - one of four puzzles)

***************
from Jim McW -- 11 April 2010:

We have been unable to find much information on this company, except that it may have been a retailer, rather than the maker. The style suggests early 20th century or, perhaps, a bit earlier. From the note, I think it may be from circa 1920.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2100]from "SB"-- 4 October 2009:

I purchased two puzzles part of a series of puzzles called the Heroes of Space :
" Space Heroes ", front of box, unknown maker
" Space Heroes ", back of box, unknown maker
I can’t find anything on these puzzles and there’s no makers mark or manufacturer details on either the boxes or the puzzles. Interestingly the style of clothing worn by the characters is essentially the same as those of the 1953 Whitman puzzles for “Rip Foster” but definitely not part of that series. So I was wondering if anyone knows of a company that was using Whitman designs or possibly the artist of the Rip Foster puzzles as knowing that might lead to the company that did produce the Heroes of Space puzzles.
The only other thing I can add is I suspect they were made by a UK or Australian company as I purchased them from an Aussie dealer.

Regards,
"SB"***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2101]from "BR"-- 6 October 2009:

Hello,

I remember a puzzle from my childhood, but don't know anything about the manufacturer, where it was bought, or frankly anything useful to help me Google it. I would like to see if I can find a similar puzzle now that I'm grown, and you folks being experts maybe you can help me identify this puzzle.

The puzzle had an animal theme. In my (admittedly muddy) childhood recollection, I would guess it had somewhere between 30 and 50 pieces. It wasn't a traditional jigsaw puzzle. Instead of the pieces being cut in puzzle shapes, each shape was the shape of the animal, and they all interlocked. The trick to the puzzle was that instead of it having a picture it had a story (or a poem?) that told you how each of the animals locked together. Actually, now that I think about it, I think each clue was told from the perspective of the animal. One, for example, was something like an alligator being annoyed that the elephant was tickling his tummy, and so in the puzzle the elephants trunk interlocked with the underside of the alligator.

Can you help me find any information on this puzzle?

Thanks!
"BR"***************
from Jim McW -- 18 April 2010:

I think you're thinking of CADACO Jumble puzzles, or Cluster puzzles. See no. 1811, Page 110, and no. 1046, Page 68.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2102]from "JJ"-- 5 November 2009:

Dear Jim,

My sister once inadvertently sold a puzzle set that my mother was keeping since her childhood. We have since been trying to find another copy to buy. It's been over 20 years.

It was a set published either in the late 1950's or early 1960's, bought in Canada, in Montreal. I can't remember if it was 3 or 4 puzzles, but they were rather small. One was children around a campfire grilling sausages, the other a child and I think..a dog, fishing out a rather big fish (they were all painterly). I think a 3rd one was a little girl in a bed, not sure (my mother isn't here at the moment), but it featured very turquoise sheets or drapes.

The perticularity was that each had a decorative border that was a row of teddy bears and small cubes (or tiny gifts?, I think they were just cubes). Each teddy bear was interspaced by a smal colored cube.

I was wondering if you or anyone would know the company that could have published these so it would help me in my search.

Thank you so very much for reading,
"JJ"***************
from Jim McW -- 18 April 2010:

I think you may be looking for SOMERVILLE Four-in-One puzzles. See no. 705, Page 49.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2103]from "PW"-- 30 August 2009:

Hello,
I have one puzzle with 35 pieces that is named Snoopy & friends.
This is a jigsaw made by Arrow games with a copyright of 1952, 1966.
I was born in 1978 so I think this was bought after that.
The box is still with the puzzle but in poor condition.
I have included some pictures of my puzzles.
" Snoopy and Friends ", ARROW, 35 pieces
" Martine in the Park ", RAVENSBURGER, 200 pieces
" Bamse ", KARNAN, 100 pieces
gnomes, title not known, PIATNIK, 500 pieces
" Mom and Pups ", MILTON BRADLEY, 100 pieces
" Popeye ", ALGA, 30 pieces
" Mare and Foals ", SCHMIDT, 1000 pieces
" Stockholm Castle ", SCHMIDT, 1000 pieces
" Shepherd's Dogs on the Meadow ", SCHMIDT, 500 pieces
" Solliden ", TACTIC, 1000 pieces

Regards,
"PW", Sweden***************
from Jim McW -- 2 May 2010:

It's always good to see what kind of puzzles are available in other parts of the world!

Thanks for sharing with us,
Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2104]from "MSS"-- 26 January 2010:

This should be message 2076 on page 123. I have been trying to find the pictures, names, and serial numbers of many puzzles for years. The ones most likely to be found are the Springbok Children's series puzzles. I cannot find pictures of puzzles: pzl1164, pzl1163, pzl1160, pzl1147, pzl1131, pzl1127, pzl1125, pzl1095, and pzl1094. I cannot find pictures or names of puzzles: pzl1083, pzl1084, pzl1085, pzl1088, pzl1090, pzl1093, pzl1097, pzl1098, pzl1100, pzl1103, pzl1104, pzl1107, pzl1109, pzl1110, pzl1111, pzl1113, pzl1114, pzl1115, pzl1117, pzl1118, pzl1119, pzl1120, pzl1121, pzl1126, pzl1130, pzl1133, pzl1136, pzl1141, pzl1145, pzl1149, pzl1150, pzl1151, pzl1152, pzl1154, pzl1155, pzl1159, pzl1165, pzl1166, pzl1172, pzl1173, pzl1174, pzl1176, pzl1177, pzl1178, and pzl1180.
"MSS"***************
from Jim McW -- 2 May 2010:

Well, you can see how far behind I am in posting and trying to answer questions! I try to number the questions (and answers) in roughly the same order they are received and/or answered, but in practical terms, they are numbered in the order of posting on the Q&A pages. The Main Q&A page can be thought of as following the Q&A page of the highest number.
You may find a link to enquire about purchasing a large listing of Springbok puzzles on our LINKS page. I think you may find many of the titles, although not the pictures.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2105]from "TM"-- 28 January 2010:

I recently aquired a neat old wooden puzzle. I am fascinated with my find and would like to know more about it. This puzzle is cut in really unique shapes (eg. decorative, animals, letters, numbers and other recognizable figures). It was quite enjoyable to build, however, it is missing around 10 pcs. The pieces that are present are in very nice shape. Measures approx. 22 1/2 x 17". Written in the left hand bottom of puzzle is EBL 1920. After some research I believe this puzzle is a Parker Brothers Pastime, but I'm not positive. I would appreciate any information (age, maker, name, value) that you could provide.

Thank You Very Much,
"TM"
wedding scene, unknown title, maker ***************
from Jim McW -- 2 May 2010:

We thank you for sharing this puzzle with us. This seems like a great find for you and a good example of an incomplete puzzle which is, nonetheless, a joy to work and a thing of great beauty, as well. We are reasonably sure this is from a painting by Edmund Blair Leighton (1853-1922), entitled, " Signing the Register ". I think you may well be correct in thinking this may be a Parker Pastime.

Thanks again, Jim McW
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[2106]from "BV"-- 31 March 2010:

Hello -

I had the good fortune recently to ...[find]... a puzzle... From what I've learned thus far,it's one of the TUCO "Hi-Art" ... series. Its a Tripl-Thick Interlocking,with Upson Wood Fibre Board pieces(350-500), Superb Series 2. Featured picture is titled "Washing-ton and Nellie Custis", with the President seated holding a flute,and Miss Custis plating a spinnet....
Appreciate very much finding this great source you've provided.
Sincerely,
"BV" ***************
from Jim McW -- 2 May 2010:

Thank you for your compliment. I believe you're correct in thinking this is a TUCO "Hi-Art" puzzle. This picture was actually used on several different TUCO puzzles over the years, as well as on a number of other puzzles issued by various publishers, especially in the 1930's and 1940's. See no. 1278, Page 81

Thanks again, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2107]from "JH"-- 13 April 2010:

I just found your website today and saw this queston [see no. 543, Page 39]. I could not figure out how to make a comment on the website, though.

I have the book AND the puzzle. Unfotunately, there were pieces missing from the puzzle, but nothing that hindered the solution. I had solved the murder by reading the book and used the puzzle to confirm my solution. I found a bookseller through the ABAA website that is currently selling this set for $125.00 with the slipcase included.

I have been searching for an Impossibles puzzle (750 pieces with 5 extra pieces) made in 1998 named "Book Smart". Once put together, you have to find the diploma hidden on the bookshelves.

How do I post this question on your website? Thank you,

Regards,

"JH" ***************
from Jim McW -- 9 May 2010:

Well, you already found one way to make a comment - write us a letter! At the end of each Q&A, there is a link to a page which has some common questions, answers to them, and information for contacting us, as well as the format for asking questions.
We have added your comments here, as well as with no. 543, Page 39. I may add that we sold a somewhat similar puzzle some years ago. See the Dream Murder Mystery Jig on Puzzles Already Sold.

As to the Impossibles puzzle, I think your best bet is to search among jigsaw puzzle websites (we have links to some good ones on our LINKS page}, as well as internet auction sites.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2108]from "MS"-- 5 April 2010:

Dear Sir,

I wonder whether you could help me, I have a Victory puzzle Popular Series, Series P.5 (250 pieces about which I am struggling to find out any information, despite an extensive search of the web.

I am particularly interested to know whether the puzzle has a title and also in what era it was produced. [See pictures below]

Thank you for your time.

Kindest regards.

"MS"
bucolic scene, unknown title, VICTORY POPULAR SERIES
bucolic scene, unknown title, VICTORY POPULAR SERIES ***************
from Jim McW -- 13 July 2010:

This is a very pleasant scene, but we are unable to determine the title or era, at this time. I would guess some time after World War 2. Can anyone provide more information or insight on this puzzle or work of art?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2109]from "DSC"-- 7 April 2010:

Hey Folks,

I'm currently in search of a puzzle, I believe it's a Milton Bradley Magnum Series 3000 piece jigsaw. It's a winter farmland with a red barn far off in the back ground, and a snowy stream/river in the foreground. I've been looking for this puzzle for years and can't seem to find it. Have you heard of this/seen this?

"DSC" ***************
from Jim McW -- 13 July 2010:

I have looked through our database for MB Magnums, and I don't see anything similar to your description.

Can anyone put us on the right trail?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2110]from "SW"-- 17 April 2010:

Is there a way to find out who painted the picture that a puzzle is made from? I have a painting very similar to the one in the email mentioned [in no. 2038 = German town].

"SW" ***************
from Jim McW -- 13 July 2010:

You seem to be referring to Garmisch, which we understand to be a town on the border between Germany and Austria. Of course, the puzzle referred to in no. 2038 is from a photograph. I would not be surprised if Garmisch has been the subject of several works of art. I have searched our database for any, but with no luck.

Can anyone suggest works of art based on Garmisch?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2111]from "T19"-- 19 April 2010:

Hello,

Nice information on your site! [Here's some updates and corrections:] Kodacolor wasn't affiliated with Rose Art really, it was a licensing deal that Rose Art paid for, just like Ceaco has a licensing deal with Kinkade. Also, a bit newer history - Mega Brands (MegaBloks) is a huge puzzle company now that you don't list. They bought Rose Art/Warren in 2005. Also, Fundex Games purchased GAPF in 2007 and moved to Indiana to the Fundex headquarters, but the puzzles still bear the name GAPF. Hope this helps your history!

"T19" ***************
from Jim McW -- 13 July 2010:

This is the kind of information we really appreciate!

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2112]from "MDV"-- 23 April 2010:

What is a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast called?

Though I am one, it never occurred to me to ask what we're called. But on Dr. Joy Browne's radio show she mentioned the term: disectologist. I googled and found exactly *one* reference to that term ... and *one* reference to the term disectology....

Seems like your website would be a good home for that factoid, too.

"MDV" ***************
from Jim McW -- 15 July 2010:

I think we have discussed this topic a bit on this site (See no. 731 on Page 51, no. 1015 on Page 67, no. 1697 on Page 104, and no. 1775 on Page 108. We tend to use such terms as "jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts" and "puzzlers", but some people do use the term "dissectologists". See Tom Tyler's page, British Jigsaw Puzzles, which refers to the Benevolent Confraternity of Dissectologists.

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2113]from "VC"-- 19 April 2010:

Hello there,
I've been browsing the internet and your very resourceful website as I'm trying to trace a similar jigsaw puzzle or the maker of the same. I'm hoping you will help me find this puzzle / artist who painted this unique perspective of the Last Supper (see below).

The image of this specific Last Supper was presented as a jigsaw puzzle to a friend - while it was extremely difficult to complete, we were able to put it together in a month's time. That was 20 years ago & we were kids then! It was only a year ago that I realised how unique this image was and since then have tried to find the artist & the similar image online, but have been unsuccessful thus far.

In one of the pictures, I can faintly make out a signature; but am sure you'd figure this out in no time.

I'd also be interested to know where I can purchase a similar puzzle, so would need your guidance on that as well.

Thank you

"VC"
" Lord's Supper ", unknown title and maker.
detail, with artist's signature(?) ***************
from Jim McW -- 15 July 2010:

We have not been able to find this artwork, the artist, or the puzzle. Can anyone suggest a possible identification?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2114]from "JW"-- 24 April 2010:

Hi Jim,
I have just inherited a Chad Valley wooden jigsaw. It is labelled on the side of the lid as courtesy of Pan American Airlines and the subject is a mountain and lake scene in Alaska. Would this have been handed out on long-haul flights to keep passengers amused before the days of in-flight DVD entertainment? The box is gold coloured with the Chad Valley 'Super-Cut' sticker in the top left corner. The Alaskan scene is pasted under the lid and is in black and white. The jigsaw is complete and contains some of the companies unique 'whimsey' pieces.
I would like to know a bit more about this puzzle. Were there many produced for Pan American Airlines and do any still exist today.
Any help would be appreciated.
Many thanks.

"JW" ***************
from Jim McW -- 15 July 2010:

We believe Pan American Airlines did provide jigsaw puzzles for passengers, at some time in their history. At least, we have heard suggestions to that effect. However, I think this is probably the first I've heard of Chad Valley wooden puzzles having been provided (perhaps only in First Class?).

Has anyone any knowledge of such practices? Anything similar?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2115]from "TT2"-- 9 June 2010:

Thanks for your time...just a quickie question. I was interested to learn jigsaws existed as early as they did. Were famous art scenes in jigsaw puzzle form extant during the Victorian era??? would they have had the technology to print them in color??

Thankyou,

"TT2" ***************
from Jim McW -- 15 July 2010:

My understanding is that famous art scenes were reproduced on jigsaw puzzles, mainly beginning in the 1920's, with the development of more sophisticated printing techniques. However, I think it very likely that at least a few puzzles were made in last half of the 19th Century, reproducing famous artworks, even though they would almost certainly have been colored by hand.
Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2116]from "DAH"-- 22 February 2010:

I have come across a tin in my attic with a harlequin cloth design (colours include green, red, purple and orange), the label on the bottom of the tin reads 'Falcon' - 'Boudoir (Reg) Boxes Cabinets Etc.

Is this a tin which puzzles would have been kept in and if so what date would this be from? I think this looks like a very early tin.

"DAH", England ***************
from Jim McW -- 18 July 2010:

I'm at a loss to give much of an answer to this question, since we have so little information. My guess, from the wording on the label, is that it had little or nothing to do with puzzles. Can anyone provide any additional assistance on this question?

Thanks, Jim McW
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Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[2117]from "RF"-- 28 June 2010:

At auction I obtained 250 piece puzzle, no picture and no mfg name - just says USA. I could not find FIVE STAR PICTURE PUZZLE on your site? Do you know of it? Tks,

"RF" ***************
from Jim McW -- 18 July 2010:

I'm afraid you've given us so little information, that we won't be able to help much (except to say that there seem to have been several different series using that title, over a number of years). We can list the following pages on our site, all of which contain references (and/or pictures) to FIVE STAR puzzles.: no. 152, Q&A page 11; no. 408, Q&A page 29; no. 778, Q&A page 54; no. 1032, Q&A page 68; nos. 1263 and 1271, Q&A page 80; no. 2074, Q&A page 123; World War II Jigsaw Puzzles; Aircraft on Jigsaw Puzzles; and Other Puzzles.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2118]from "AS"-- 4 July 2010:

Until recently, the largest jigsaw I'd ever done was 2,000 pieces. But lately, I've been getting into the larger 5,000+ piece jigsaws. So that got me wondering about when these larger ones were first manufactured. So my question is: do you know when the first 5,000 piece jigsaw was manufactured? By who and what of?

"AS" ***************
from Jim McW -- 18 July 2010:

Great question! We would like to open this topic to all contributors, especially since we seldom attempt any puzzle over 1500 pieces.
We assume, first of all, that the question, for most people, pertains to cardboard puzzles, not wooden. I have no doubt that wealthy patrons have occasionally commissioned wooden puzzles of larger dimensions and more pieces, from almost the earliest days of wooden puzzle cutting, and almost certainly by some time in the early 20th century.
As for cardboard puzzles [of 5000 pieces or more], I suspect that their introduction to the market required the development of new, more capacious manufacturing equipment. We believe this equipment was becoming available by the 1960's or 1970's. However, we suspect (and can find no specific prior releases) the first mass-produced puzzles of 5000 (or more) pieces were mainly produced after 1990.

Can anyone produce evidence of earlier 5000-piece puzzles?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2119]from "JE"-- 6 July 2010:

Hello there. I have recently had some puzzles donated to us and come across some that appear to be very old. Is there simply no date on a puzzle? I have searched everywhere. I would like to describe the puzzles to you. If you are not interested in this, please respond to my first question now and save your time for something more important and I will completely understand.

The first puzzle comes in a square can. It is by Whitman Publishing Co. There are two numbers on the box. No. 4610 and Series No. 203 it also says Title: Fall Pasture. It is a scene of a farmhouse in the background and two horses inside a fence in the foreground. Across the top of the can it says NEW Deluxe Guild.

The second puzzle is called, “The Shape” Adult Puzzle. It is by Fairchild and it is of a baby. I am guessing that it is in the actual shape of the baby, that is siting up with a bottle in hand and a bonnet on her head. It is quite hilarious, really.

Any light to shed? It would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.

Sincerely,

"JE" ***************
from Jim McW -- 18 July 2010:

If you click on our WHITMAN page, you will find there, just under the first paragraph, a link for Chris McCann's COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF TITLES BY BRAND NAME.
If you follow that link through the list, until you get to page 17, you will find what I believe is that series, with a very similar puzzle illustrated. Unfortunaely, few, if any, of those series bore dates of publication on the boxes or canisters. Based on general style, I would estimate late 1950's to early 1960's.

As for the FAIRCHILD SHAPE puzzle, here's a picture from our files of one which may be similar to yours (different theme):
The SHAPE, football game, by FAIRCHILD

Thanks, Jim McW
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