[2076]from "JE"-- 26 July 2009:

Hi Jim,
Just found this gem at an antique store this summer. It is a dissected map of Washington State, with 93 pieces, in great condition, in the original box. The legend in the bottom right hand corner reads: "Published and copyrighted by the American Association of University Women Spokane Branch 1931. The artist is identified in the bottom left hand corner as Bertha Ballou.

Can anyone out there give me more information on this puzzle; eg purpose, history, scarcity? I fell in love with the watercolor palate and the art deco-ish details.

"JE"

" Historical Map of the State of Washington ",

box

detail, " Historical Map of the State of Washington "

detail, " Historical Map of the State of Washington ",

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[2077]from Jim McW-- 27 July 2009:

We just viewed a news item on television, about a special order of jigsaw puzzles. This nationwide news featured a story about a special order from the White House. The subject: the First Dog, on the lawn in front of the White House. It was ordered from The Puzzle People!

Jim McW
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[2078]from "JE"-- 26 July 2009:

We just found a near-perfect copy of a two-sided puzzle, The Hobbit, that I had as a kid and loved. Front is the painting Bilbo Comes to the Huts of the Raftelves, by JRR Tolkien, and the reverse is a map of Middle Earth drawn and embellished by Pauline Baynes. The manufacturer is listed as "The Underground Jigsaw Puzzle, a product of International Polygonics, LTD/New York City"
No 96T120.

Has anyone else run across other puzzles by this manufacturer?

"JE"

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from Jim McW -- 27 July 2009:
See No. 466, Page 33; No. 905, Page 61; and No. 1494, Page 93

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2079]from "N30"-- 30 July 2009:

As a child (1950s) I played with a cardboard puzzle from World War II. I believe it came in an orange box about 15"x9." I do know it was a map of the world showing most of Europe and North Africa being in control by Nazi Germany.
France was divided and southern (Vichy)France was possibly in the color of green.
I would appreciate any information.
Someday, I'll find it in my mother's house. Until then, it's a mystery, nagging my brain.
Thank you

"N30"

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from Jim McW -- 27 July 2009:
The only puzzle we can think of, at the moment is:

" The Battle of the Atlantic ", PATRIOTIC PICTURE PUZZLES, Franklin Manufacturing Co., 1942 [?]

Can anyone identify the puzzle for the enquirer?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2080]from "GW"-- 5 August 2009:

Hello,

I have five vintage puzzles and wondered if you might be able to give me some additional information about these? The puzzles are listed below:

#1 Built-Rite Interlocking Picture Puzzle – “Colorful Bombay” – 350 pieces and the box is marked #70

#2 Built-Rite Interlocking Picture Puzzle – “Great White Throne” – doesn’t say how many pieces, box also marked #70. on bottom of box is stamped 220 4067

#3 Bantam Pocket Jigsaw Puzzle – “Home Beautiful” 100 piece interlocking

#4 Perfect Picture Puzzle – “Old World Village” No.250 – 375 pieces, card table size

#5 Victory Series – “Solomon Islands Naval Victory” 500 piece no.316

Any info would be helpful, these were my great uncle's and I would like to add them to my collection.

Thanks,
"GW"

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from Jim McW -- 5 August 2009:

" Colorful Bombay ", BUILT-RITE [reported as from 1946]

We suspect that "Great White Throne" may be from the same era, especially if the box design is similar.

" Home Beautiful ", JAYMAR BANTAM [1950's?]

The PERFECT PICTURE PUZZLE probably dates from some time between 1944 and 1960, but that's just a guess without seeing the box.

" Solomon Islands Naval Victory ", J.S. PUBLISHING VICTORY SERIES [c. 1943-48?]

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2081]from "KS"-- 8 August 2009:

Square Cut Picture Puzzle

Hope you can help us:
We have a square cut picture puzzle 330 square pieces complete with frame finished picture about 20 - 13. It is a Novel entertaining with scenes from famous movies in full color. The name of the puzzle is " Gypsy Dance ". It is in very good condition . We also have The Tulip Time with 1 piece missing and The Pals, also with 1 piece missing. All of them by Sommerville Canada.
How old are they and what are the value of them . They are all in very good condition.
Thank you for your time.
"KS", Canada

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from Jim McW -- 9 August 2009:

old south scene, from 1930's movie.

The picture above is from no. 1745, Page 107.

See the discussion in that item for all we know on these puzzles. Note that there seems to have been two different lines of puzzles by this name, one by Somerville.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2082]from "LSM"-- 9 October 2009:

Greetings,

I am searching for a specific jigsaw puzzle, most probably from the Whitman Guild series. It is made from the same jig as Series No. 138, no 4425, but it is older (late 50’s early 60’s – definitely prior to 1965). It is a painting of an apple orchard during harvest time, with sheep wandering between the trees. I am searching for this a Christmas present to my sister, and it has particular sentimental value.

Thanks very much!
"LSM"

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from Jim McW -- 10 October 2009:

I'm not sure what you mean, when you say that it is made from the same jig as Series No. 138, no. 4425. I am unable to find a reference on our site to such a puzzle number. The closest to your description I can find are these:

"Spring",

, "Green Pastures"

Can anyone shed more light on this question?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2083]from "DS"-- 16 November 2009:

Dear sir or Madam,

I wonder if you might be able to help me with something.

For years I've been trying to track down an old jigsaw puzzle that has great sentimental value to me.

My late Mum bought it for me in 1964.

It shows a cross country motorcycle race, with motorcycles following a route uphill from the distance on the left side of the puzzle, across a rough path to the foreground of the puzzle. There are groups of spectators, including a large group on the right foreground, and dominating the centre foreground is a motorcycle and rider.

The background of the puzzle shows fields separated by hedges, and a mountain or large hill in the distance.

I do not know the name of the manufacturer or the title of the puzzle.

I'd be grateful if you have any information about this puzzle.

Thank you,
"DS"

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from Jim McW -- 16 November 2009:

We can't recall such a puzzle.

Does anyone recognize the puzzle described?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2084]from "JIL"-- 19 November 2009:

I have been trying to find an old Buffalo Games jigsaw puzzle that has four 175-piece sections in separate bags, intended for four people to race against each other then the four sections fit together when they are done. It is called Champion, and it has a dragon, witch, princess, and other fantasy elements in it. The oldest version of this puzzle joined the four sections together with one kind of tab. The newer ones joined the sections together with another kind of tab. Neither has been made for some decades… I have one of the newer version and would like to buy an older one. I have not been able to find any for sale anywhere. Do you know this puzzle? And do you have any suggestions for finding one?

Thank you very much.
"JIL"

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from Jim McW -- 19 November 2009:

We don't remember hearing of them.

Does anyone recognize the puzzle(s) described?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2085]from "EP"-- 10 December 2009:

GREETINGS!

I AM TRYING TO LOCATE A PUZZLE "ON THE BANKS OF THE SCHELDT." THE PAINTING WAS BY W. A. MEYERHEIM, AND IT IS MENTIONED IN McCANN'S BOOK. THE PUZZLE WAS MADE BY WHITMAN AND BY TUCO. WHICH COMPANY MADE IT FIRST? WHEN? HAS IT BEEN REPRODUCED?

CAN YOU TELL ME HOW TO GO ABOUT LOCATING/BUYING ONE OF THESE PUZZLES? I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT FOR A FAMILY REUNION AS THE PICTURE WAS ON THE WALL OF MY FAMILY HOME WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP.

THANK YOU.

PS--WOULD YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW WHERE THE ORIGINAL PAINTING IS?
"EP"

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from Jim McW -- 19 November 2009:

We have seen these puzzles, but we cannot provide many of the answers for your questions. We suspect that it was first used as a subject for a jigsaw puzzle in the 1930's.

Can anyone give further information about the artwork or the puzzle(s) described?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2086]from "LJ"-- 14 December 2009:

I have 7 Wonders of the World by Springbok. I absolutely LOVE this puzzle. I have been searching for more puzzles with similar illustrations or similar in theme (I love that it's a lot like Where's Waldo). Can you suggest any other puzzles like this?

Thank you!
"LJ"

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[2087]from "SH"-- 27 December 2009:

Is there a complete index or directory of the Gold Seal jigsaw puzzles made by Whitman during the 1960s?
"SH"

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from Jim McW -- 28 December 2009:

We cannot confirm that WHITMAN GOLD SEAL puzzles were manufactured after the early 1960's. It seems difficult to say exactly what years they were published, because, as far as I am aware, the boxes seldom bear dates of issue. We do have Chris McCann's Comprehensive List of Whitman Titles.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2088]from "DJV"-- 30 December 2009:

Several years ago I assembled and mounted a puzzle that was a collage of outdoor privies (outhouses). Unfortunately, it was sold at a garage sale. I'd like to locate it and do it again. I've been searching with no luck. Is it possible to find one?

Thank you.
"DJV"

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from Jim McW -- 10 January 2010:

See the following page on our site:

Q&A no 1634, Page 101. Neither of these is likely to be available in retail outlets, but you may be able to find them offered on internet auction sites.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2089]from "SJ"-- 2 January 2010:

I hope you can answer my question. I have been applying glue on the front of paper puzzles. Do you do that for cork puzzles as well?

Thanks.
"SJ"

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from Jim McW -- 10 January 2010:

As we have said many times, we rarely mount our puzzles, and we never use glue to do so. Consequently, we know nothing about this kind of procedure. There's numerous discussions of this topic, including on our FAQ page.
Can anyone answer this specific question?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2090]from "R5"-- 5 January 2010:

Hello!

I'm looking to replace a damaged Charles Wysocki puzzle that I currently own (some of the pieces are ripped and I am unable to locate the original box) as I like the scene very much and would like to frame it; however, I cannot seem to locate it anywhere. Perhaps you can be of assistance. The copyright date is 2002, 04679-24. It is an autumn scene on a farm with a large black cat lying in the forefront surrounded by corn, tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. A large carved pumpkin is behind the black cat with other smaller pumpkins scattered around the field. There is a sign that reads: "your choice pickins; 25 cents the pound, please leave payment in the birdhouse. Thank you." There is a scale hanging from a wooden pole (on which a black crow is perched) and an American flag is swaying in the breeze amongst the top of another wooden pole with a welcome sign beneath it. I have searched numerous websites, including the Wysocki website itself, and I have not been successfully able to locate the image much less the name of the puzzle. Please let me know whether you can help me out or not. The puzzle title would be of great help to me so that I can search online sites easier!
Thanks very much!

Sincerely,

"R5"

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from Jim McW -- 10 January 2010:

We are not experts on the many, many, very popular puzzles based on Charles Wysocki's art.
Can any of you Wysocki enthusiasts help with this question?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2091]from "KC"-- 9 January 2010:

I am in search of a puzzle that has a four leaf clover in it, to no avail. I have never been so stumped in finding a theme in a puzzle in my life and I estimate having put together (and i also make my own frames) over 5,000 in my lifetime.

PLEASE HELP!!!

"KC"

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from Jim McW -- 10 January 2010:

We find it difficult to believe that there has never been a puzzle published with the subject of four-leaf clovers, but we can find nothing in our database.
Can anyone help with this question?

Thanks, Jim McW
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from "DP" -- 10 January 2010:
Hi Jim,
I know of 2 puzzles with this theme. There is a SPRINGBOK puzzle # PZL2498 called Lucky Clover. It is a 500 piece puzzle that was manufactured in 1999. Eaton also manufactured a puzzle with four leaf clovers, I don't recall the name of that one, it is a 500 piece puzzle.

Always enjoy your website.

"DP"
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[2092]from "MM"-- 9 January 2010:

I bought a Jigsaw Puzzle for my son many years ago. It was a round one and it was the kings & queens of england. We have had a fire in the boys bungalo and I think it may have got burnt. I would like to know where I could get another one. I hope you can help me.
Thanking you

"MM"

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from Jim McW -- 10 January 2010:

For possible help with this question, see the following page on our site:

Q&A no 2024, Page 120.

We have also seen the puzzle below (but we do not know the maker).:

" Kings and Queens of England", maker not known, circular, two-sided.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2093]from "DH"-- 17 January 2010:

I am trying to find a Waddingtons jigsaw of a George Earl picture called Coming South, can you help?
"DH"

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from Jim McW -- 4 February 2010:

We can find nothing in our database. Does anyone out there have any suggestion on this one?

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2094]from "CV"-- 24 January 2010:

Gentlepeople:
How do I frame a jigsaw puzzle that is made of wood pieces? I don't think puzzle glue would be a good idea, do you?? Thanks in advance.
"CV"

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from Jim McW -- 4 February 2010:

We agree. See our FAQ page for a short discussion of framing puzzles.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2095]from "DG"-- 24 January 2010:

I had a rather large puzzle once that I would put together with my grandma, until my uncle threw it away.

It was around 1 1/2 - 2 feet long, by 2 to 3 feet long.

It was a puzzle of the constellations in the sky - with accurate detail. It even had names on the stars. I am unsure about the size but it must' ve been over 1,000 pieces.

I have searched on your site and get a 404 page error. I've also searched for all sorts of puzzle search keywords from Night Sky to Constellations, and cannot find this puzzle. It used to be very popular.

Time frame of the puzzle publish date was late 1980s - early 1990s and still may be published.

The puzzle showed the entire sky surrounding the earth using an almost astrological map feature.

tyvm
"DG"

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from Jim McW -- 4 February 2010:

We did look and we could find nothing in our database, at least nothing that fits this descripton exactly. Can anyone help answer this question?
As for the search feature on our site, it is currently "out of order". However, searching with any of the major search engines will often pull up results on our site.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2096]from "AK"-- 31 January 2010:

Hi there,

I think I have written you before, but did not get any answer. I would be very grateful if you can help me on the following.

I am a collector of Barbie puzzles from the 60-ies, 70-ies and 80-ies.
The 60-ies and 70-ies are mostly Whitman puzzles and a few of MB. The 80-ies are mostly Golden.

I am trying to find out if there is an inventory of these puzzles. I can imagine that such would exist at MB for example.

The only 'inventory' I have is by own experience, looking at what is offered on internet auctions. I have been doing that for about two years now.

If you have any suggestions where to turn to, please let me know.

Thanks so much in advance,
"AK"

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from Jim McW -- 4 February 2010:

We must remind everyone that we maintain this website as a free service, in our spare time. As stated in our FAQ page, "due to the volume of mail, we are unable to answer all letters".

We have seen the puzzles below :

WHITMAN GOLDEN, "Barbie's Wedding", 100 pieces, 1987 (?)
WARREN, "Barbie Wedding Floor Puzzle", 63 pieces, 1991 (?).

We may also mention, once again, that 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.

Thanks, Jim McW
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[2097]from "LZ"-- 6 February 2010:

Hi! I have an old, KING SIZE puzzle in what seems to be the original box, including shrink-wrapping. It is by Milton Bradley, YORK "Summer In New England"; Puzzle #3445 made in Springfield, Massachusetts.

I don't see it listed in your YORK nor Milton Bradley area. Is it possible to be NEW and in shrink-wrap??

Thanks,
"LZ"***************
from Jim McW -- 7 February 2010:

Yes, it is possible, although it's a rare find. You can sometimes find collectors who are willing to pay a bit of a premium for such puzzles.

Also, you're correct that we don't have that title listed. Thanks!

Jim McW
P.S. We do believe that most puzzles found in shrinkwrap are in their original shrinkwrap, but it occurs to us to warn that it is possible to shrinkwrap an item "after the fact". In other words, the fact that a collectible is shrink-wrapped is not an absolute guarantee that it is the original shrink-wrap.
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[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"

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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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