[1920]from "M7"-- 7 January 2008:
My step father gave me a picture of a beautiful young lady standing on the edge of a cliff. I know the picture was his mother ( he is 75) It has the words John Drecher Co., inc. NY. I love the picture and the colors are beautiful. I just want and need the story behind it. The frame is a beautiful green/ aqua and the girl is in a white dress with the wind blowing on it. Please help me find more info on this (such as age). Thank you.

"M7"
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1921]from "TW"-- 10 January 2008:
I am trying to locate a puzzle of the White House and a different one of Independence Hall. Do you have either or both?
"TW", Texas
***************
from Jim McW-- 11 January 2008:
There's several puzzles featuring the White House and Independence Hall.:
" The White House ", JAYMAR [mid-1950's]
" The White House ", PERFECT PICTURE [1940's?]
" Independence Hall ", TUCO [1940's]
" Independence Hall ", TUCO [1950's]
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1922]from "JLS"-- 19 January 2008:
I found this old WHITMAN wood puzzle and in like new condition... Is it collectible and how old is it? It says 5314 YOUNG AMERICA on the box. Tell me what you can on this nice old puzzle... Thanks
"JLS"
" Young America ", WHITMAN TEKWOOD [1940's?]
***************
from Jim McW-- 21 January 2008:
We believe this puzzle was published in the 1940's or 1950's. It is a very desirable picture, and quite collectible if in good, complete condition. TEKWOOD was a series of diecut WHITMAN puzzles, made of composition board. We suspect that they were all numbered 4314.
The most intriguing thing about the picture for us is the writing on the side of the raft.: US MAREENS , L.C.M.
Does anyone know for sure what L.C.M. stands for? We are thinking "Landing Craft Mechanized" or it could be the initials of the artist. Any other suggestions?
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
from Jim-- 25 January 2008:
The initials you refer to are not of the artist !!!! This painting is called (in a Perfect Picture box) Young Commandos and was done by Hy Hintermeister.
Jim from www.PerfectPicturePuzzle.com
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1923]from "LS"-- 20 January 2008:
I have come across a 3ply wood interlocking jigsaw puzzle in a red box approx 7 inches x 6 inches, it is made by Chad valley company. On the side of the box a label stating subject 'refreshments' 5/- No.2196 about 250 pieces, the box is a bit battered but still intact. I haven't checked how many pieces there actually are, the actual pieces look quite dreary and not very colourful, I just wondered if this is worth hanging on to or do you advise me to throw it away. I would appreciate very much for a reply as I haven't got a clue what to do with it, thank you for your time,
yours sincerely,
"LS", UK
***************
from Jim McW-- 21 January 2008:
We would never suggest "throwing away" a wooden jigsaw puzzle. It is probably desirable to some puzzler, even if it is incomplete. Of course, a complete, wooden puzzle will be worth more on the market than one missing pieces. We are not familiar with this particular title, but the completed puzzle may be less "dreary" than the unassembled pieces appear.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1924]from "KG"-- 20 January 2008:
Hi, I just purchased a puzzle made by The Perfect Puzzle Mfg. Co., Mount Morris, IL. The box says "350 The Perfect Jig Puzzle, Perfect Puzzle No. 2". After assembling it, it is a beautiful Art Deco Transportation design by Fred Good. Made in 1933. I can't seem to find any information at all. Can you give me information on this puzzle, company and artist and if this is collectible or valuable?
"KG", Ohio
***************
from "KG"-- 27 February 2008:
Here's some pictures:
Perfect Jig, unknown title, by Fred Good box, 1933.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1925]from "CK"-- 21 January 2008:
Hello!

First, thank you for such a great website. Am really enjoying reading it from page 1 on.

Not sure if you can answer this or not but it is in regards to Frances Main’s comment on the above puzzle on page 8 [no. 112]. What would being run once mean in terms of numbers? Hundreds? Thousands? What is a typical run? Just very curious as to numbers and what makes this one rare.

I bought Flower Vendor several months ago with no idea that it was rare, just found the painting fascinating. Haven’t put it together yet ( waiting for retirement to do a 1500 pc puzzle!) so I am hoping it will be complete.

Thank you for your time and help.

Regards,
"CK"
***************
from Jim McW-- 21 January 2008:
We assume you're talking about this puzzle:
" Flower Vendor ", SPRINGBOKTM, 1993, PZL9023.

We do not consider ourselves expert in this field, and we have never set foot in a jigsaw puzzle factory, so we cannot say with authority. However, we have the impression that there must be at least several thousand puzzles produced in a single "run". After all, major brands' puzzles are normally available in hundreds of stores. Some puzzles, such as those with more than 2000 pieces or those of special interest may be run in smaller quantities. Puzzle publishers with good distribution channels may be able to distribute a relatively small number and, if those sell well, make additional, larger "runs" to fill the demand.

By the way, don't wait for retirement! Just use a puzzle board or caddy. Working on a puzzle a few minutes a day is an excellent way to shed the stress of the workday.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1926]from "RG"-- 23 January 2008:
I need to pick your brains a bit. I'm trying to get more information on a series of puzzles from the early 1960's (?), pertaining to famous events and/or people. I had two of the many mentioned on the back of each puzzle box. If my memory serves me correctly, each box contained two different puzzles of about 60 to 100 pieces. The company that made these called them "Golden Storybook Puzzles, or something like that. The two that I had were "Johnny Appleseed/Daniel Boone" and "Building of the Panama Canal/Erie Canal". I've been trying to locate these on ebay, but I need more information to do my searching. If you can fill me in on these, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for your time.
"RG", Minnesota
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1927]from "GdS"-- 24 January 2008:
Re: no. 975, Page 65
I have the original painting of Ev. Ottenfeldt 1929 (as it appears on the painting). The picture is the same as previous requests on this piece (puzzles and prints on this web from the same artist). I would also like to know the history of this specific artist, and also what the painting is worth.

Regards
"GdS", South Africa
***************
from Jim McW-- 24 January 2008:
See no. 1531, Page 96, which gathers all the data we have found for this artist. See also no. 1587, Page 99 for mention of another person who we think may be sometimes be confused with the artist responsible for " Moonlit Waters ". Apparently, very little is known about this mysterious artist.

Can anyone clear up this mystery?
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1928]from "BM"-- 25 January 2008:
Dear Sir/Mam,

A few years back I saw a round flat puzzle of the Earth. It appeared to be taken from the moon or outer space. Do you know where I might be able to purchase this puzzle? Thank you for your time.

Regards,

"BM"
***************
from Jim McW-- 29 January 2008:
We can think of two or three puzzles, at least, which might fill the bill:
"Planet Earth", SPRINGBOKTM, PZL6516, 1980.
" Moon to Earth", by Tony Stone, F.X. SCHMID, 1200 pieces. [late 1990's?]
" Earthrise ", RAVENSBURGERTM, 1000 pieces, 1996.

None of these are likely to be available in retail stores now, so you probably need to look on the secondary market.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1929]from "BS"-- 25 January 2008:
Re: HG TOYSTM

H-G Toy factory was located on Ocean Ave in East Rockaway, Long Island, New York. It was a small factory that generally made afordable toys for the public. I remember it there in the 1960's. Sometimes on the weekends we would ride our Schwin bikes over to the factory to raid the toy dumpster of toy rejects. Many of the toys had a part missing, etc. We didn't care, it didn't cost us anything. Those were the days! The factory is long gone now. I hope this helps,

"BS"
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1930]from "MB"-- 29 January 2008:
My deceased mother n law was a great collector of many items in her life. She spent many years serving Vice-President Wallace with President Roosevelt in 40's. I say this , because as a true artist she was given many "little presents by " Mrs Wallace. One hand made wooden Jig-Saw, with 25 watercolour pieces manufactured by the great J.Salmon Ltd Sevenoaks, England. All pieces in excellent condition with original container wooden grain container. Worn stamp on back of this container is just not clear. There is a pencil notation stating that this was " Bridge of Sighs ".

"MB", Virginia
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1931]from "MB"-- 3 Febuary 2008:
Hi!

I have a wood jigsaw puzzle which was given to me as a child over sixty years ago. On the box it's date is 1932. It's a Pastime Puzzle. The box indicates 750 pieces. The picture is of Benjamin Franklin at the Court of France. I've gone through a number of websites dealing with jigsaw puzzles and have not come across it. Is this puzzle rare?

"BP"
***************
from Jim McW-- 7 February 2008:
"Rarity" is a kind of relative term. Most wooden puzzles are more or less "unique": that is they are "one-of-a-kind". Even if multiples are cut of a particular picture, rarely is each cut the same. Pastime puzzles have been produced for a very long time, so they are not exactly hard to find, but finding a particular number, from a particular year, may be very difficult. We did find a similar picture, entitled " John Paul Jones and Benjamin Franklin at Versailles Palace in 1780 ", but it was a WINDSOR JIG puzzle. Our list of PASTIME puzzles is far, far from complete.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1932]from "AK"-- 3 Febuary 2008:
Hi!

A great find in a thrift store, (cost 50 cents) one of my favorites.

"AK"
" Camille Monet and A Child in A Garden ", Claude Monet 1875--BATTLE ROAD PRESSTM, 500pcs
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1933]from "JG"-- 5 Febuary 2008:
I am looking for a puzzle name or company for a octagon shaped puzzle. The puzzle is a close up of a girl with long black hair with her horse. It would probably be from the 1960 or 1970 era. I have looked for a long time to try to find some information about this puzzle that my sister had when we were kids. It probably has between 500-1000 pieces. Please help!
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1934]from Don Scott-- 6 Febuary 2008:
Hey there,

I'm just starting on a blog....

It's http://edgepiece.precinct13.com/ and is mostly about jigsaw puzzles (but, honestly, mostly about my jigsaw puzzles)

Anyway, thanks for your site - its great and has been a source of great data for years

Best,

Don Scott
***************
from Jim McW-- 7 February 2008:
See also no. 1425 and 1426, Page 89.

We appreciate all the hard work you guys have done and continue to do. The TALKING JIGSAW PUZZLESTM are particular favorites of ours. They are seeing a kind of resurgence in popularity (well-deserved!).
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1935]from "PS"-- 5 Febuary 2008:
Can you tell me more about the painting of autumn harvest. I saw the puzzle on here, but i have a painting sign by him. Please if you can help i would appreciate it.

Thank you,
"PS", Ohio ***************
from Jim McW-- 7 February 2008:
You don't say where on our site you saw this puzzle, and we feature at least two different puzzles entitled, " Autumn Harvest ". We assume that you refer to the one on our FRANK HAMILTON page. However, you also failed to specify what kind of information you seek. All that we learn about the life and works of Frank Hamilton, we place on our page about him.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1936]from "SW"-- 7 Febuary 2008:
I recently obtained a 1000 piece Big Ben puzzle, second hand, that is interesting. The name of the puzzle is "Horsing Around". What is interesting is that the picture on the puzzle is the reverse image of the picture on the box.
Is this a rare item? Is it a collector's item? Does this happen often?
I appreciate your response to this inquiry.

"SW", Pennsylvania
***************
from Jim McW-- 9 February 2008:We would not think of it as common, but perhaps not rare, either. See no. 1202, Page 76, no. 1299, Page 82, and no. 1602, Page 99.

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

[1937]from "DG"-- 8 Febuary 2008:
No . 3036 DRAGONSLAND 10/6 No. 3035 ELFIN 7/6

I also have a dragonsland puzzle .. Our Nana had it when we were growing up .. I always wondered what it was called.
Thank you for your information

I am interested in purchasing one if you know of any that become available

Regards

"DG", Canada
***************
from Jim McW-- 9 February 2008:
See also no. 1163, Page 75, no. 1583, Page 99, and no. 1766, Page 108, as well as our CHAD VALLEY page.

We have never seen one of these for sale. If one does come up for sale, you can bet the bidding will be quite brisk!
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
from "JW"-- 12 February 2008:
Good afternoon
Just following on from the Dragon's land puzzle - I recently paid £3.50 for a lovely looking box - it was all sealed in a plastic bag so I wasn't sure what was inside but I thought the box was very pretty. When I got home I found the delightful Elfin Jigsaw Puzzle - and it took me quite a while to put it together! Some of the edge pieces are missing and one or two of the main pieces but we had a great time putting it together - very cleverly cut I think. The pictures are lovely and I wonder if it has been reproduced because the pieces look as though they were made yesterday (there is no curling of the pictures on the wood and it all looks pristine) - though the box is shabby enough! If it would be of interest I could do the puzzle again and send a 'photo. I think that this is going to become a Christmas party piece!
Many thanks for an interesting site
"JW", Hampshire, UK
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1938]from "FH"-- 9 Febuary 2008:
handcut in 1982?
Hello again! I found a really neat puzzle without a box, not wood but much thicker than cardboard, very intricately carved pieces and color line cutting, it seemed like it had to be handmade. It consists of four pictures (photos not paintings) and one of the first things I noticed is that each picture had been glued on separately, like everything else extremely well done. It was really fun to do the puzzle. I decided to take it apart slowly today starting with the frame, to look for any designs I might have missed, there are places where the carving is so unusual it has to be for a reason. I found this right off!! I knew there was a 2 for sure and there is an S elsewhere, but hadn't figured beyond that. Any ideas who made this wonderful puzzle? I'll also send a picture of it. Thanks,

"FH"
detail from one picture
unidentified puzzle with four pictures [circa 1982?]
***************
from Jim McW-- 10 February 2008:
I didn't understand, until I looked more closely, that the four pictures are part of one puzzle, with some pieces bearing parts of two pictures.
We don't recognize the style. Does anyone else?

Thanks, Jim McW
***************
from "FH"-- 10 February 2008:
Here are some pictures showing other details. There are straight lines cut across the puzzle in places, which I had read can be a feature of hand-cut puzzles. I couldn't figure out why I had so many extra border pieces put together!!! But I've read this can be a feature of handmade puzzles, where the puzzle was divided in sections. Also the left bottom corner of the puzzle isn't quite squared off. I know next to nothing about this kind of handmade puzzle, having only seen them in photos, but this doesn't at all seem machine made. It's a wonderful puzzle, whether I figure out where it came from, but thanks for posting about it I'd like to find out. Thanks,"FH"
another view, during assembly
another view
***************
from Jim McW-- 10 February 2008:
If the butterfly and the flower are single pieces, that would indicate the probability of the puzzle having been handcut. Examination of the edges under magnification may serve to confirm this.

Thanks, Jim McW
***************
from "FH"-- 10 February 2008:
The butterfly, one of the flowers, the stem with leaves (it's shown just above where it fits), the entire pot of geraniums in the lower left secton, the entire twisted stream with waterfalls in the top right section, these are each one piece. The back of the roof in the bottom right section is cut along color lines. The piece just to the right of the geraniums is unusual but I can't figure out why. I don't even know what kind of very hard board the puzzle is made of, and yes the edges of the pieces don't look exactly machined although I'm not an expert about this. Thanks for looking at all this,"FH"
***************
from Jim McW-- 10 February 2008:
This could be chipboard or particle board. Is there any writing at all on the back side of the board?

Thanks, Jim McW
***************
from "FH"-- 10 February 2008:
The sides of the pieces look hard, even polished in places. In some placed you can see for example that a curve is made up of very tiny cut edges. The back of the pieces looks something like cork and looks like it might be crumbly - but it's not. You can tell it's a pressed material because there are occasional little darker fibers visible on the back. There is no separated layers at all, the pieces are very solid. There is no writing of any kind anywhere! You can feel a little line along the borders of the 4 pictures, and notice that they are 4 separate prints glued down.... Any information you have would be great, this is so much fun altogether. Thanks,"FH"
***************
from "FH"-- 15 February 2008:
Hello, I had a thought, could my wooden puzzle have been made by a very artistic private individual, not by a company? By the way, the light green color background is still my favorite, but, in a way, it's nice to have changing light-color backgrounds.
From a true fan of your website, thanks,"FH"
***************
from Jim McW-- 15 February 2008:
Actually, there is a long history of private persons cutting puzzles, either as a small business or as a hobby. We have owned several that we suspected had been cut in "one-man shops". For instance, you can see one which we sold several years ago, " 2 kid goats ", posted on our Puzzles We Have Sold page D. It was made by some unknown cutter, who simply took a cover from a popular magazine, applied it to a piece of wood, and cut it into puzzle pieces. It very likely was done about the same time the magazine was published, during World War 2. Cutting puzzles sounds like fun. Maybe I will try it one day....
In any case, we think you may be right about your puzzle. Thanks again for pictures of a fascinating puzzle,
Jim McW
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)

[1939]from "L10"-- 10 Febuary 2008:
Hi, I have the Karnan puzzle that you have pictured as well as two others. I have found out very little about these puzzles by using the internet. One other site states that this puzzle, KING TUT, is the smallest in the world also. But the other two puzzles I have are the same size, and I believe the same amount of pieces. If you could come up with any extra info on this line of puzzles it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time,

"L10", Minnesota
***************
from Jim McW-- 10 February 2008:
See no. 1593 Page 99 and our "little" KARNAN section, on our OTHER PUZZLES page. See a somewhat fuller discussion of "smallest" puzzles on our RECORD-BREAKING PUZZLES page. Of course, records are always subject to being surpassed.
We would be interested in posting any pictures and/or titles of KARNAN puzzles.
Thanks, Jim McW
***************
from "MIC"-- 10 February 2008:
Hi ... I have 2 puzzles by Karnan. They're labeled World's Smallest Wooden Puzzle. One is a picture of a space shuttle launch and the other is a picture of a unicorn. Their size and the cut of the pieces fit the King Tut exactly.
"MIC"
***************
Respond or comment (note inquiry number)