[1850]from "SR"-- 14 July 2007:
Hello,

I just bought two old miniature jigsaw puzzle sets at an estate sale and cannot find any info about them on the web. They are obviously WWII vintage. Each box contains 4 puzzles which are "reproduced from authentic sketches prepared by war artists...." One box is titled "Set No. 2; Britain Attacks" and the other is "Set No. 3; Britain Defends." Only identification on the box references "WELCOM, LONDON, ENG."

Are you familiar with these? Or do you know where I could find information about them?

Thank you.

"SR"
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from Jim McW--15 July 2007:
This sounds a little like a series called " Epics of the War ". You can read a little more in no. 1495, Page 93, and our WILLIAMS ELLIS page.
As we understand it, some of the puzzles of this series were issued as single puzzles and some as sets of four puzzles. At least some of these four-puzzle sets were in the form of "puzzle books". Can anyone tell us more about WELCOM puzzles of the WW 2 period?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Keith--14 August 2007:
Hi Jim,
I have at least one "Epics of the War" Jigsaw Book, Vol. 1. The 4 puzzle titles in this are:-
1. The Miracle of Dunkirk
2. The Glorious Attack at Taranto.
3. RAF Fighters Master the Luftwaffe.
4. The Capture of Sidi Barrani.

These books were made in early wartime and are invariably very delicate. The size was 11 ¼" x 14 ¾". They were described on the cover as "4 Original Stories illustrated by 4 Large Puzzles".

I also have a single 200-piece puzzle, " Commandos attack on Norway ", size 14" x 10". Another single title is " British Torpedo Boats in Action ". I think we can say early 1940's.
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from Jim McW--17 August 2007:
Great to hear from you again, Keith!

We also have the following in our database:

BEF [British Expeditionary Force?] Moves Up to the Front
British Navy Drive Off Nazi Bombers

Can anyone add to this information?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "MS"--3 October 2007:
Hello Jim & Keith,
Welcom (William Ellis & Co) did three puzzle books (at least),

1. [One puzzle book] with 4 puzzles:
Miracle of Dunkirk
RAF fighters master the Luftwaffe
Glorious attach at Taranto
Capture of Sidi Barrani [as Keith has listed above]

2. [one puzzle book] with the first two of the above four puzzles

3. [one puzzle book] with the second two.

Next point, Epics of the War series. I know of 14 titles.:

1 First attack on a British convoy ends in German disaster
2. RAF planes beat off German fighters
3. British Navy drives off Nazi bombers
4. British Expeditionary Force moves up to the Front
5. Gallant fight of the "Rawalpindi"
6. The "Altmark"- British Navy to the rescue
7. First German submarine to be sunk from the air
8. British warships trap the "Graf Spee"
9. Commando attack on Norway
10. RAF offensive over Germany
11. The Atlantic Charter
12. British torpedo boats in action
13. German tank unit routed in Russian campaign
14. The Commandos play their part in the great Allied victory in North Africa
All are "over 200 pieces".

Next point, 'Britain Defends' and 'Britain Attacks' were separate series, not part of 'Epics of the War'. The 'Britain Attacks' box contains 4 puzzles, each about 140 pieces.:
Bombing German raiders at Kiel
Launching a depth charge
Destroying German supply column in the near East
British trawlers engage a Hun submarine

I do not have the titles of the 'Britain Defends' box.

Welcom also made the "Wonders of the World" series in the 1930's, but I do not have a complete listing of those.
Welcom also made the "Discoveries" series of 4 titles, made in late 1930's or early 1940.
The theory of gravitation
Discovery of steam locomotion
Discovery of flight
Captain Cook's discoveries.

Welcom had the very helpful practise of listing on each box other puzzles in the series, hence it has been possible to build up these lists.

I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes
"MS"
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from Jim McW--7 October 2007:
It is very helpful, indeed!

I may add that Penny sent some information which suggests the need for further study of the EPICS OF THE WAR series. We were able to view pictures of two EPICS boxes. They appear to have been packaged in boxes originally printed for the DISCOVERIES OF MANKIND series and had adhesive stickers placed over the original text on the box, identifying them as EPICS OF THE WAR. The titles of these two puzzles are ' The "Altmark"- British Navy to the rescue ' and ' First German submarine to be sunk from the air ".

Any further elucidation of these series would be very welcome.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1851]from "YA"-- 18 July 2007:
Sir,

While cleaning the attic we came across this puzzle. We were wondering about the value of it and found your website. I don’t know if this picture can be some sort of addition to your website, but I’m sending it anyway. If necessary I can take a picture without the plastic cover.

Sincerely yours,

"YA"
Belgium
" Mother Love ", MILTON BRADLEY BIG BENTM, circa 1965.
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from Jim McW--18 July 2007:
Good picture. We believe the puzzle is from the mid-1960's. [See the BIG BEN website.] Can you see a title for the picture anywhere on the box?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "YA"--20 July 2007:
I found the title:
"Mother Love - 6"
(nr 4962), dated 1963.
(The painting is from F.Kassel)
"YA"
Belgium
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from Jim McW--21 July 2007:
We have added the title above, with the picture.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1852]from "PMA"-- 19 July 2007:
Hi!

Thanks for a very nice website!

I recently got this puzzle and really enjoyed putting it together. Do you have any idea when it was manufactured? Are there any more puzzles with Jack Merriott as artist? Anything you could tell me is of interest!

Best regards

"PMA"
" Springtime ", VICTORYTM box label
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from Jim McW--20 July 2007:
We suspect the puzzle was issued circa 1950's-1960's. See our VICTORY page. You can also do a search on our SEARCH page for " VICTORY ", to find a number of references and discussions of VICTORY puzzles.
Can anyone give us information about the artist, Jack Merriott?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1853]from "GH"-- 20 July 2007:
Hi, I found a set of the four seasons in my Mother's Papers. The left hand corner says: Donald Art Co., Inc. N.Y. No 1840-1844 ( number different on each picture). Could you give me any information concerning these? I like her artwork and am thinking of matting and framing them.

Thanks,

"GH"
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from Jim McW--20 July 2007:
We can't add a great deal to what you've already seen on our Pauline Jackson page. Here's some pictures of the set of puzzles:
" Autumn ", TUCO
" Winter ", TUCO
" Spring ", WHITMAN GOLD SEAL
" Summer ", TUCO
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1854]from "B30"-- 30 July 2007:
To whom it may concern,

My Grandfather has a puzzle I saw this weekend that surprised me. It looked old to say the least. Here is the info. It was made by Fairchild with a # 1800, "The Shape", and it was called the Antique Cadillac Puzzle. Specifically a 1903 cadillac with four people riding inside. Just curious where I can get another puzzle like it. The puzzle has a few missing peices. Thanks.

"B30"
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from Jim McW--31 July 2007:
Is this the puzzle?:
" Antique Cadillac "[?], FAIRCHILD THE SHAPETM

We suspect this series came out in the 1960's, but we have no definite information. Can anyone clarify or add to this?
The only way you're likely to be able to find such a puzzle is on the secondary market (internet auction sites, second hand stores, garage sales, etc.)
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1855]from "L30"-- 30 July 2007:
I picked up a vintage puzzle of the Taj Mahal, by Watkins Strathmore, printed in USA by western printing and lithographing Co. ... , cant find any info about it or another one like it.
thank you,

"L30"
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from Jim McW--31 July 2007:
We have been unable to find out much about this company. We have suspected that the company was producing puzzles primarily during the 1960's, and Anne Williams seems to support this dating. They may have had some affiliation with Western Publishing. We don't see their puzzles come up for sale very often.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1856]from "KD"-- 27 July 2007:
I'm sorry, I don't have much to go on, but I have faith that you will be able to assist me. I am looking for a 1000-2000 piece puzzle. I believe it was by FX Schmid, called 'Pencil Pencil'. It was a picture of pencils of many colors/stripes in a reflective tin, with many more of the same colored pencils laying at the bottom of the tin. I think when I put it together it was early to the mid 1980's. Please help, my son and I put this together and we would like to have it back again. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

"KD"
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from Jim McW--29 July 2007:
Could this be the puzzle?:
" What's the Point? ", CEACOTM
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "KD"--31 July 2007:
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! IT IS THE PUZZLE I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR...THANK YOU AGAIN!!!
"KD"
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[1857]from "AK"-- 1 August 2007:
I purchased this puzzle in a thrift store and had much pleasure working it and was surprised to see all the pieces were there. When I checked PuzzleHistory could find only 1 AppleStreet puzzle, thought you would like another as it is a lovely puzzle. Thank You for your puzzle site- I enjoy it and spend much time there.........

"AK"
" Daffodils ", APPLESTREETTM, no. 569, dated 1987.
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from Jim McW--2 August 2007:
Thanks! We have added this puzzle to our Other Puzzles page.
Jim McW
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[1858]from "BC"-- 4 August 2007:
It has happened to me once. I purchased brand new factory sealed Springbok "Florentine Table Top" in the late sixities and it had one exact duplicate piece. I also have one Eaton puzzle that I purchased new and factory sealed ans it was missing a piece. I guess some got my Eaton Piece and I have someone' s "Florentine Table Top" piece!

"BC"
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from Jim McW--5 August 2007:
We're not sure to which item or enquiry you are referring, but we assume that you may have in mind such items as no. 696, Page 49, and No. 1204, Page 77, or perhaps our FAQ page, and the accompanying page about differing alignments and cuts on puzzles.
Basically, different "identical" puzzles in the same run may have different cuts and/or alignments (or registers).
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1859]from "DB"-- 13 August 2007:
When we were cleaning our house my wife and mother in-law came across a set of puzzles that I used to play with when little. My mother in-law says that they are worth a lot of money. I think they are in excellent condition and they are about 54 years old. Where or to whom should I contact in regards to their value?
Thanks

"DB"
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from Jim McW--14 August 2007:
When we run across old keepsakes and other kinds of artifacts from our past or our family's past, it is natural to regard them as a kind of treasure. They are, usually, treasures in the sense that they bring back memories or tell us things we never knew about our ancestors. This is a real kind of value.
When we make the transition to looking for a cash value on the open market, we find a completely different set of questions. If one finds a rare old gold coin in one's attic, it may be possible to take it to a coin dealer and receive cash on the spot for it, perhaps even quite a bit of cash. (That will almost always be quite a bit less cash than the coin is worth, since the dealer must allow for his cost of doing business and his margin of profit.)
However, many artifacts or collectibles may not have a well-developed market available. Some kinds of things may be collected by very few (if any) individuals. Often, the quickest way to get a rough (ballpark) idea of the value of the item is to go to internet auction sites and search for similar items. For instance, for children's puzzles, you could go to the puzzles section, then do a search for "children" or "child". The results of that search may suggest other search terms. Close examination of your item or items may suggest other search terms.
When you find items very similar to yours, look for details of description which may indicate differences from your own item, such as condition or other variations. Look also for actual prices realized, not what sellers are asking for.
See also our FAQ page for some other, general discussion of this topic.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1860]from "MT"-- 13 August 2007:
HI!
I have a wooden block puzzle that can make several puzzles by moving the blocks around. There is a man with many different funny faces. The puzzle has a copyright of 1948.
Could you give me more information about this puzzle? I have included 2 different faces.
Thanks!
"MT"

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from Jim McW--14 August 2007:
You can read about a similar puzzle (very possible the same one) in Anne Williams' book, Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide. On page 162, she provides an illustration of "Changeable Charlie", which she describes as published by Gaston Manufacturing Co., Copyright 1948. These few blocks can be rearranged to form over 4 million different "faces".
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1861]from "GEF"-- 20 August 2007:
I have a GUILD puzzle, 304 pieces, series #122 title The Old Road, would like to find out what year it was produced.
"GEF"
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from Jim McW--21 August 2007:
This title can be found on Page 13 of Chris McCann's List of Whitman Titles. This was a 29-cent puzzle, which makes me want to date it to about the late 1950's or early 1960's. Page 14 depicts 49-cent Guild puzzles, which were presumably the next generation of WHITMAN GUILDTM puzzles.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1862]from "DF"-- 23 August 2007:
Hello,

Your website is very informative and easy to navigate - looks great!

I am wondering whether you might be able to provide me with some advice, please.

I recently purchased what I thought was simply a portrait of George Washington at an estate sale. Upon further inspection, I noticed that there was something under the picture. I found an old puzzle by the artist Frederick Remington.

The puzzle is titled "The Running of the Bulls'" and it is signed by Remington on the lower right hand corner. The puzzle is in great shape and all of the pieces are present. I'd be happy to send a photo of the puzzle if you would like.

Could you perhaps provide me with any advice as to whether I have found something of value?

Thank you for any help - I appreciate it!

Sincerely,
"DF"
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from Jim McW--25 August 2007:
We have not yet been able to confirm this attribution. As to its value, it will perhaps be difficult to determine the brand of the puzzle, which would be important to many puzzle collectors. Also of importance is the condition. Some collectors may not be interested in a glued or mounted puzzle. On the other hand, it may be just the thing some collector out there has been looking for!
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1863]from "FH"-- 25 August 2007:
Hello, here is an advertising puzzle I came across, now that I know better how to look up items on your website, I didn't find any information about this one. The box looks to be an early style with no picture on it, but the house pictured, looks to be a post-WW2 architectural style?? It is fun, because you are invited to make the puzzle to see what the house looks like. This is from a secondhand store, there was one missing background piece but I made a replacement piece. There doesn't seem to be any publishers information on the box. On each side of the box, it says "One out of every 48 homes being built in America today is produced by National Homes." Thanks for any information,
"FH"
National Homes puzzle box
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from Jim McW--25 August 2007:
We've never seen this puzzle before, and it's difficult at this time to say anything definitive about it. I would date it to the 1950's or early 1960's, at least for now. Are there any additional details of text on or inside the box? Any city of manufacture? What is the thickness of the pieces?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "FH"--26 August 2007:
Thanks for printing my [question]. The only other words written anywhere on the puzzle or box, are "One out of every 48 homes being built in American today is produced by National Homes" in big letters on each of the 4 sides of the box. Nothing else, no stickers either. The puzzle is maybe 1/16 of an inch thick, cardboard with grey back, regular quality, a few border pieces not cut all the way through so not separated. The puzzle is bright and the pieces fit together nicely.
Thanks, "FH"
National Homes puzzle
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from Jim McW--27 August 2007:
Well, it doesn't sound like a TUCO product. The pieces are too thin for that. This could have been produced by any one of several puzzle makers, contracting for the company (about which I have found no information, as yet).
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1864]from "PMA"-- 26 August 2007:
Hi!
Do you have any clue what puzzle this might be?

regards
"PMA"
female figure, unknown title, artist, and maker
artist's signature
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[1865]from "JS"-- 1 September 2007:
Hi, I am searching for a circular puzzle, made in the early to mid 70's. It has a pearl handled revolver laying on a table with some ammo nearby. My father had this when I was a child and I would like to find it. I don't know who made it. Any info would be great. Thank you
"JS"
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from Jim McW--10 October 2007:
We have not been able to find any record of a puzzle such as you describe, although it does ring a bell in my memory. We did find this one:
Cheyenne Winchester [published by WESTERN?]
Does anyone have any other ideas or suggestions on this topic?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1866]from "LC"-- 3 September 2007:
Hi there

I appreciate this is a long shot however I have searched sites for this with no JOY.

I HAVE AN OLD LOCKING PUZZLE ’Matchless’ the happy village ? by B&S, I would like to find out some info on its age , background, etc. Photo is below.
"LC"
" The Happy Village "(?), unknown title, artist, and maker.
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from Jim McW--4 September 2007:
Not to say that I know much about British jigsaw puzzles, but I somehow want to tentatively connect this series with TOWER PRESS. Can anyone identify the puzzle or the series?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1867]from "RN"-- 7 September 2007:
I have number 512 'Fountain of the birds in the vicinity of Notre Dame' A beautiful 300 (every piece different )puzzle by Waddingtons of an Antique Doll by Barbara Brand. I would like to collect the series and would welcome any information from any reader. Many Thanks...
"RN"
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from Jim McW--8 September 2007:
See no. 1250, Page 79.
Earlier this year, I believe it was, we saw a puzzle that is very likely from the same series. It was also no. 512 (which we believe to be the number of the entire series), and the title was "A Stroll in the Place Pigalle ". I suspect the date of issue to fall into the 1960's or 1970's, but it might be later. Can anyone provide pictures or tell us more about the series?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1868]from "JP"-- 9 September 2007:
Hello, I recently came across two antique puzzles, one being the Sohio Radio puzzle no. 2, which is " In Dutch". The box is in great shape, as is the puzzle with all pieces there, and a picture of what the puzzle looks like, with an Atlas tire ad on the back. How rare and what might this be worth? Also have an Interlox Difficult Picture Puzzle, Famous Painting Series no. 1710, Oriental Traders in Venice by Ribcowsky, again how rare and what might it be worth? Thank you for your help,,, JP
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from Jim McW--10 September 2007:
See our FAQ Page.
We receive many questions concerning the values of individual puzzles. There is no way to say that a particular puzzle is worth a particular amount or sometimes even a particular range of value. As we explain on our FAQ page, the price a puzzle (or any collectible) will realize will vary widely, depending on where, when, and how it is presented on the market.
All one has to do to see this is to watch online auctions for a while. It will soon be seen that, even commonly available items may vary widely in the prices they bring. We have often seen items go for far more than we believe they are worth, and we have also seen people pick up fantastic bargains. Were they paying too much? Were they getting a steal? The truth is more elusive. Many commodities have a closely tracked value. Take gold, for example. At any moment, it has a "certain value" on the market. BUT, that value will be different on different exchanges, in different cities or countries, AND it is changing constantly, as the market fluctuates.
If you put your "In Dutch" puzzle up for auction on-line, and it draws the attention of two or three potential bidders, none of whom are very interested in that particular puzzle or that particular series or the condition of that particular item, the puzzle may not even draw a bid. If, on the other hand, your pictures are very well done, it happens that two or three dozen active collectors of that series are watching the auction, and the conditions of the puzzle and the offering are favorable, the bidding may be quite brisk, and the puzzle may bring much more than it otherwise might. If you go to our SALE page 14 [at this time], you will see a similar puzzle offered for $18. However, it is not complete. It has been there for quite a while, with no takers, so it is probably over-priced.
It is not unusual for a collectible to be worth a great deal in the very best condition, but very little in poor condition. When I receive such questions, it is almost never possible to adequately judge the condition of the puzzle. Professional appraisers usually examine an item closely and compare it with similar items in recent sales. They usually have years of experience in determining the condition of each kind of item they appraise. Remember, also, that their services are NOT free.
Both of your puzzles are from the 1930's, so they probably cannot be called common, but a lot depends on their condition, how they are offered on the market, and how many people see them who might be interested in 1930's puzzles, and the particular pictures used for these puzzles.
Thanks, Jim McW
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