[664]from "RB Puzzles"-5 August 2002:
RE: No. 642, Shmuzzles
"Shmuzzle pieces", "Shmuzzle box"
For anyone who is curious about Shmuzzles, I've attached a couple scans of one. One is the "box" which actually resembles an oversized 33 rpm record jacket (about 15" square) and the other is a scan of what the lizard-shaped pieces actually look like, front and back). And YES, they all interchange with each other. Eegads! On the back of the "box" it gves you ideas of shapes and designs that you can make out of the pieces from the backside, if you get bored (or frustrated) with the picture side. The puzzle itself is assembled in a frame that is the same size as the "box", and contains 168 identical pieces. This particular one is called "Asters" and would be a real nightmare to assemble. The puzzle is dated 1981, Shmuzzles Inc., on the back. I also have, somewhere, a later Shmuzzle in an actual box-shaped box, that I believe was produced by another company that may have bought them out. It's still called a Shmuzzle, the pieces are still the same shape, but the quality seems a bit inferior, and there is NO frame to assemble the puzzle in, just loose pieces in a box. If I can locate it, I'll send a picture of it as well, so the box differences can be seen.
Thanks Jim,
RB Puzzles
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[665]from "KL"-5 August 2002:
Hello.
I am looking for a "Looney Tunes" puzzle (preferably with Tweety Bird or Taz for a friend of mine that collects them. I am having a really hard time finding one. I am looking for a puzzle for more pieces, such as 250 - 500, not a child's puzzle. Can you direct me to someplace where I may find one?
"KL"
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[666]from "anonymous"-5 August 2002:
I have a question for you experts. Came across a wooden puzzle with the name Zig Zag Puzzle Chicago in art deco style on the box. Inside there is a tag stating the name "Peace and Contentment" 500 pieces polished by Bob. Can't find any history on this maker. Can you enlighten me or tell me where to look?
I will be putting it together shortly, should be very challenging.
"anonymous"
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from Jim McW--6 August 2002:
We defer to the real expert, Anne Williams, who says in her book that this company produced hand-cut wooden puzzles during the 1930's. The one or two pictures we have seen of these puzzles suggest that you're really going to enjoy that puzzle!
Thanks, Jim McW
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[667]from "JB"-6 August 2002:
I am a big Norman Rockwell fan and have started collecting and putting together his puzzles. However, they are very hard to find. Anyone have tips or want to sell one?
Thanks in advance,
"JB"
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from Jim McW--6 August 2002:
We are not aware of any current puzzles based on Rockwell's art, but there may be. Try the search box just below, for " Rockwell puzzles ". Try also a similar search on internet auction sites. Last, but not least, go to our LINKS page, and click on some of the on-line jigsaw puzzle stores that we have listed there. If they have any Rockwell puzzles, they will almost certainly be clearly listed, since they are so popular.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Nancy Ballhagen--7 August 2002:
Buffalo Games has a series of Rockwell puzzles out, 4 @ 1000 pieces, Uncle Sam (I want You), Triple Portrait, The Runaway ( I think), and one other, plus a four puzzle pack with the Four Freedoms. We have them all plus The Runaway from Fink, and also a collage in a tin from AMG.
Nancy Ballhagen, of missouripuzzle.com
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from Jim McW-- 7 September 2008:
Try the search box, just below.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[668]from "anonymous"-7 August 2002:
Do you have any information on a puzzle made by Milton Bradley called "Twilight Express"? It's a "9-foot long" large piece puzzle of a train, each section is a separate car. I'm trying to put a date on it, looks 30s or 40s. Any idea on the value? The box is there, but all corners are split.
Thanks,
"anonymous"
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from "EW"--21 June 2006:

This is four years later, but I too would like to know if there's any information regarding "Twilight Express" - puzzle box . This is a jigsaw puzzle which has six sections to it. (five cars and locomotive. ) It measures, when each section is put side by side "nine feet long".

I have the box (which is just about in perfect condition and the puzzle......all the pieces in perfect condition except for one small nick out of one of the pieces.

The cover of the box shows a steam engine roaring off to the left... With a young boy and girl (with dog) waving at the conductor from behind a fence beside the train track. The number on the train is MBCRR 3406. And on the very bottom left hand corner of the box is stamped the number: 4692
It says at the bottom:
"Five cars and locomotive making a complete modern train over nine feet long"

I have no idea of what date the puzzle was made, however the puzzle was found at my grandparent's home long after they had died... And if it was bought for my father when he was young (say when he was ten years old), that would date the puzzle somewhere around 1925. I don't know, it could be older or it could be slightly newer.

I now have the complete puzzle and box framed under glass to protect it. But I've never found any information about when it was made or if it was of any value. So if there's any information you could provide, it would be appreciated.

Thanks !
"EW"
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from Jim McW--25 June 2006:
Anne Williams discusses this puzzle on page 23 of her great book, Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide. She says that it was an early die-cut, large-format puzzle produced by the MILTON BRADLEY COMPANY, circa 1900-1935.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[669]from "Alix-the-Charity-Shopper"-3 August 2002:
Great website! (found by Yahoo search)
I have a few (~ 12) Jigmaps, some complete, most are not... is there any market for them? (in the UK)
"Alix-the-Charity-Shopper"
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from Jim McW--3 August 2002:
Thanks! Well, they are rather popular, given that they are several years out of print. Still, very few people know of them outside the Commonwealth. They seem usually to sell for 5-10 pounds, I believe.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "Alix-the-Charity-Shopper"-7 August 2002:
Hi Jim -
Jig-Maps I have include the following numbers:
423 North American Continent
427 Northern Europe
428 Southern Europe
512 New Zealand
558 Scandinavia
558 Ireland (yes, they are both 558! according to the boxes)
560 British Isles
562 North America
564 India
565 Australia.
All bought from what I think you folks call a thrift store (a charity shop in British English!) I bought one only a couple of weeks ago which prompted me to do a search on the Internet!
I would be interested to hear from anyone who collects or buys Jig-Maps.
Thanks,
"Alix-the-Charity-Shopper"
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from "KL"-12 August 2002:
Hi Jim
Believe it or not, I cannot resist picking up these little puzzles when I see them in the charity shops. I may be mean, but I seldom pay more than about 50p for them, but they are a great buy for the future. There are, of course, a number of collectors who specialize in maps. They are only worth anything if complete and that of course is the gamble when buying from such a source and why I keep my buying price so low.
Regards
"KL"
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from "KL"-13 August 2002:
Hi Jim
After my instant reply to this one, I have taken a more careful look at those I have, they are made by Waddington's, and there are at least 3 series.:
The first I have is in a more rigid box than later versions and has the wording : Design No 421 The British Isles.
The second version is a flimsier box with the box ends folded over and the side ends tucked in to form the box lid shape. As on the first box type the map is shown on the right hand side of the lid and the wording "Waddington's shaped JIG-MAP with place name quiz" is on the left side on a white background.the title wording on the box end for those I have are:
SCANDINAVIA STOCK NO 558
BRITISH ISLES STOCK NO 560
NORTH AMERICA STOCK NO 562
Then the third version has a box construction similar to the second version but the map on the lid covers most of the area with "Waddington's Shaped JIG MAP " on a jigsaw shaped panel on the bottom left corner. The title wording on the box end is:
North America Ref # 559
It carries a HOUSE OF GAMES logo on the right hand side. This box also has Copyright 1979.
The Maps for each series are not the same.
Hope all of this may be of some interest.
Regards
"KL"
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[670]from Nancy Ballhagen-8 August 2002:
Hi Jim, Just got news that Charles Wysocki passed away last week, July 29th. If you want to find out more info there is a posted message on his web site, charleswysocki.com. One of my customers emailed me, as she had spoken with his son this morning. Was really surprised and saddened.
Nancy
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[671]from "anonymous"-9 August 2002:
RE: No. 625, Page 44 ( house of the seven gables puzzle )
Dear Jim,
I took some pics of the puzzle and the box, will e mail the photos or send to you when they are developed. It is a difficult puzzle to put together as it is hard to distinguish edge pieces.
The artist for the puzzle is Charles Allan Winter.
"House of Seven Gables", Royton Picture Puzzle, #20, over 200 pieces. "House of Seven Gables", the box.
"anonymous"
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from Jim McW--9 August 2002:
We have seen the same picture used for a Puz-Ler Jig (1930's), and a somewhat similar one for a Big Ten (also probably the 1930's).
Thanks for the great pictures! Jim McW
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from Jim McW--8 August 2003:
See also No. 1055, Q&A page.
Jim McW
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[672]from "CD"-10 August 2002:
I have aquired several Guild jigsaw puzzles from a yard sale and they appear to be very old. I have just put the first one together and will attach a picture of it to this email. The price on the box says 29 cents, 18 X 14 inches, series 118 No. 4425.
path through a glade, unknown title, Whitman Guild.
I was wondering if you could tell me roughly what decade these puzzles came from and what they are worth?
Thank you for your help,
"CD"
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from Jim McW--10 August 2002:
These are probably from the 1950's, fairly common, and usually sell for $2 to $12, if complete and in good condition, depending on different factors (see our FAQ).
Thanks, Jim McW
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[673]from "NM"-11 August 2002:
hi, am curious about this puzzle. Age?? It is in perfect condition. box shows little wear, but is old enough that the color is not as brilliant as new puzzles. Can you help me?
Thanks, "NM"
"Stream Bridge", BUILT-RITETM [probably 1950's].
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from Jim McW--10 August 2002:
It is probably from the 1950's. These are favorites of ours, because they are often in great shape for their age.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[674]from "EMM"-12 August 2002:
RE: charles wysocki mosaic Confection Street
How can I find out how many pieces this puzzle is supposed to have? The box does not tell you. Thanks for any help you can give me on this. I was very sorry to learn of Mr. Wysocki's death on your website. I have really enjoyed all of his works of art on these puzzles.
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from Jim McW--13 August 2002:
Should be about 300 pieces. [See our Charles Wysocki Jigsaw Puzzles page]
Thanks, Jim McW
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[675]from "JK"-13 August 2002:
HI I HAVE 2 MADMAR PUZZLES. 1 IS THE SQUIRES STORY AND THE OTHER IS HUNTSMANS WEDDING , BOTH ARE ABOUT 500 PIECES . ANY IDEA WHAT THEY ARE WORTH . THANKS ALOT "JK"
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from Jim McW--14 August 2002:
It's very difficult to even estimate a puzzle's value without having an idea of the picture, the condition, completeness, etc. The value also depends on how one sells the puzzle. Madmar's are popular, though.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[676]from "JM"-13 August 2002:
I wanted to know if you have any other information on August Albo, (A. Curtis). I have a painting of stallions running before a storm by a August Albo. I am trying to find other works by this artist. Any ideas?
Thanks,
"JM"
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from Jim McW--14 August 2002:
All we know is what is noted in no. 70, Page 6. Does anyone have any other information?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Jim McW--31 January 2003:
See no. 897, Main Q&A page.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[677]from "HS"-14 August 2002:
I have a springbok puzzle from 1969 called A Mosaic of Bacchus. It has 450 pieces and is in fine condition. Is it worth anything?
Also, I have a Heye puzzle called Mordillo-Crazy Crazy from 1983 which has only 216 pieces and wondered if it is worth anything. Thanks for your time.
"HS"
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from Jim McW--14 August 2002:
Please see comments in no. 674 above and on our FAQ page.
Thanks, Jim McW
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