[53]from Dale--24 October 2000:
I enjoy collecting puzzles from the 1960's and 70's, mainly kid's TV cartoon-related puzzles made by Whitman. I find them mainly at resale shops and garage sales, but as so often happens with toys used by children, they almost always are missing a piece or two. Nevertheless, I'm still more than happy to pay the dollar, or even 25 cents, and I've always had hopes that I might come across a 2nd copy of the same puzzle and be able to combine two incomplete puzzles to form one complete puzzle (I assumed that pieces were machine-cut and thus were the same shape).
This indeed happened with a Daktari TV puzzle (Whitman 100 pc.,1967), and though the pictures on the pieces were very slightly offset, the pieces were cut identically. However, I also have two identical copies of Mighty Mouse battling some thieving cats and their getaway blimp (Whitman 100 pc., 1969) but the pieces are cut completely different, so the puzzles can't be combined.
So, my question has to do with the process of making these puzzles, and why some puzzles have identical cutting patterns and others puzzles have different cuts even though the puzzle pictures and boxes are the same. Does it have to do with the number of cutting machines that Whitman, for instance, has...each machine having its own particular cut? Any information anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dale
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from Jim McW--25 October 2000:
Dale: I do not consider myself an expert--I'm still learning! However, my understanding is that the most common way to cut cardboard jigsaw puzzles is to form the "blades" which cut individual "piece-sides" and solder them together into a kind of framework for cutting entire puzzles. The way it was explained to me, if I understand it correctly, that is the reason puzzle manufacturers sometimes describe their puzzles as "at least 500 pieces" or "over 350 pieces"--because one of the individual blades can break off, reducing by one the total number of pieces, but they can still continue cutting with that die. When it becomes unusable, though, I would assume that they sometimes have to make a new one from scratch, in which case there would be no incentive to cut it exactly the same way. I feel sure that there are people out there who can teach us more about the process. Write in! As to your quest to replace missing pieces--it is in the nature of jigsaw puzzles that pieces can come up missing, whether the cat ate them, we dropped them under the sofa, or extraterrestrials abducted them. One way to deal with that is to try one's hand at restoration. If you are handy at all, and maybe even if you think you're not, you may be able to complete such a project to your satisfaction. There is some help on one or two websites about replacing missing pieces, and Anne Williams' great book, Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide, has a short chapter with some help on this. I will tell you that I have seen some really good replacement pieces, so it IS possible. Hope this helps,
Jim McW
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[54]from "anon"--23 October 2000:
Hi--we have a Tuco interlocking extra thick picture puzzle entitled: square dance--Any idea as to age or value? It is a wonderful picture and we were unable to find it on tuco site--thank you--"anon"
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from Jim McW--23 October 2000:
Dear "anon":

Do you have a picture or a scan? That might help date or identify it. Thanks, and here's hoping that someone out there has some info on that puzzle. Jim McW
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from "adirondack"--1 November 2000:
Jim,
Its me again, I sold the Tuco interlocking puzzle "Square Dance" on an internet auction site last year for $10.50. It was in the blue-black-white interlocking box. Artist was Pauline Jackson.
Take care, "adirondack"
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from "adirondack"--8 November 2000:
Jim,
I have had this puzzle in the Tuco interlocking box (red-white & blue). The artist is Pauline Jackson, she did "Winter", "Summer", "Spring" and "Autumn" plus some others ("The Picnic" & "Square Dance" come to mind). Her style make her puzzles collectabe in their own right.
Take care, "adirondack"
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from Jim McW--9 November 2000:
Dear "adirondack":
Thanks once again! Jim McW
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from "anon"--13 November 2000:
Hi Jim--Here are the pictures of Squaredance--So mad--took hours putting it together and one piece missing--It certainly is a neat picture.
"Square Dance"
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from Jim McW--23 November 2000:
Dear "anon":
Thanks for the picture! I think most of these Pauline Jackson puzzles came out in the fifties. They are very popular with collectors, depending on condition of puzzle and box. Jim McW
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from Jim McW--23 November 2000:
Here's a picture of a Whitman Guild version of the same picture. Jim McW
"Square Dance" [Box]
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SEE ALL DISCUSSION AND PICTURES OF THIS TOPIC ON THE PAULINE JACKSON PUZZLES PAGE.
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[55]from "anon"--29 October 2000:
A friend just purchased a Harett Gilmar puzzle. No. 468 "Peter Pan". Would like any info anyone can provide. Age, value, number made or whatever.
Sincerely,
"anon"
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from Jim McW--1 November 2000:
Dear "anon":

You can go to another inquiry on "Q&A" Page 1, for more about this series. There's a second inquiry on Page 3 of "Q&A". Do you have a picture or a scan? Thanks, and here's hoping that someone out there has more info on these puzzles. Jim McW
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[57]from "anon"--9 November 2000:
Hi,
My brother has the Jigsaw puzzle in a can "an american orbits the earth" 1962 (which was actually made in 1969). It's still sealed, and he says it's in good condition. Could you possibly give me an estimate as to its worth?
Thank you,
"anon"
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from Jim McW--9 November 2000:
Dear "anon":

You can go to the "Advertising Puzzles" page on this site to read about these puzzles.
Thanks, and here's hoping that someone out there has more info on these puzzles. Jim McW
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[58]from "anon"--11 November 2000:
I'm looking for a jigsaw puzzle with all the US Presidents.
"anon"
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from Jim McW--12 November 2000:
Dear "anon":

I don't know of a specific puzzle with all the presidents depicted, although there is several with individual presidents, notably Washington, Lincoln, FDR, and Kennedy.
Thanks, and here's hoping that someone out there knows of such puzzles. Jim McW
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from Jim McW--27 November 2000:
Dear "anon":
We have seen a puzzle on an internet auction which looked as though it has all the presidents. A similar puzzle featured all the First Ladies.
Hope this helps. Jim McW
*************** from "anon"--28 November 2000:
Hello Jim,
You did it, Thank you, that's the right puzzle.
"anon"
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[59]from "LG"--11 November 2000:
Congratulations on a great site!
I have a Perfect Picture Puzzle titled MAIN STREET. The box indicates it is #250. It is a scene of a lady buying a Xmas Tree on the sidewalk of a snow covered street. Across the street is a hotel, a bakery with a sign "The Cake Box" and a Brennan's Drug Store. I obtained it in the early 1950's so it is safe to say it is of 1940's vintage. I"d like to know the artist's name,and if this was modeled after a real town or out of the artist's imagination. It has become a family tradition to gather around and help grandpa (me!) make his Xmas Puzzle. Even my daughter's college chums would chip in to help. I can't tell you how many hours of joy this puzzle has brought me over the years! I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience with "Main Street". Thanks for your kind attention.
"LG"
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from Jim McW--12 November 2000:
Dear "LG":

Sounds like a great family tradition! Is this the same puzzle?

Anyone have any more info on this puzzle? Jim McW
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from "LG"--2 December 2000:
Dear Jim,
I am amazed! That is exactly the puzzle I was writing about; "Main Street" by Perfect. Being that no one else has written in about it perhaps you can tell me how you happened to obtain it. In addition to the little story I told about how I made that puzzle every Xmas season with various family members and friends, my wife traced it and then made a needlepoint of the tracing. It hangs over our fireplace and is one of my prized possessions. Plus, now we can talk about it thru the year as it is always on display. Thank you so much for your reply and I am heralding your great site to everyone!
Have a great holiday season! Me..I'll probably be on Main Street walking past "The Cake Box". L.G.
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from Jim McW--2 December 2000:
"LG":

Glad it was the right one. To be honest, I don't remember whether that is one of the puzzles in our collection or a picture which was sent in. For every picture of a box or puzzle on this site , we've got ten more that we have received, but just haven't had time to prepare and write up for inclusion on the site. Also, we try to include puzzles for which we have been able to verify the titles, as much as possible. We really appreciate the question and your bringing a great, old puzzle to our attention.
Write any time! ( I'll be having fries and a cherry coke at Brennan's. ) Jim McW
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from Jim McW--9 August 2004:
See more information about this artwork and puzzles based on it in no. 1222, Page 77.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[60]from "AW"--10 November 2000:
Where could I find 500-750 piece Springbok puzzles. I clicked on the Hallmark Springbok area, but it said address/URL was not working. I'm interested in one puzzle I had years ago that was given away. It was a picture of Western gear, boots, blanket, spurs, cowboy stuff. Miss it and it was very enjoyable to put together.
"AW"
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from Jim McW--15 November 2000:
Dear "AW":

It may be that you went to our old website, which is being "de-commissioned". If you're reading this, you have found a much bigger and improved site. You can also find links to two other sites which deal exclusively with Springbok puzzles. Look on our Springbok Page for more info, including a way to obtain a more or less complete listing of all Springbok puzzles (through 1997).
Anyway, you might take a look at "All Quiet on the Western Front", near the bottom of this insert from about 1988.
Anyone have any more info on this puzzle? Jim McW
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[61]from "TE"--13 November 2000:
Recently, I purchased a couple of puzzles at a garage sale. Two of the puzzles are stamped STA-N-PLACE INLAID PUZZLES, Built-Rite, and are numbered (No. 134:29 and 130:29). Would you know if these puzzles are a part of a set? How can I find out the production/manufacture year?
They are in very good condition and are really cute! At the same garage sale I purchased a SANTA CLAUS Frame-Tray Puzzle, No. 4424, Whitman Publishing Co. How can I find information about it? Any history and information you could pass on to me would be greatly appreciated. Am I "heading" in the right direction? Do you know where else I could get more info. on Built-Rite and Whitman Publishing Co.?
Thanks,
"TE"
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from Jim McW--15 November 2000:
Dear "TE":

Try going to the Built-Rite Page on our site for a few Sta-N-Place puzzle illustrations. It also seems to me that there was another question about this series a while back, so you might browse the other "Q & A" pages. Of course, you can learn a lot by reading Anne Williams' book, Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide, which is out of print. Copies show up from time to time, especially on internet auction sites. You are doing fine. Just enjoy!
Anyone have any more info on the Sta-N-Place puzzles? Jim McW
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[62]from PBM"--13 November 2000:
I was just wondering if by giving you some information on a puzzle that my mother purchased recently if you could tell me if it is antique or just the run of the mill puzzle?
500 pieces, Fairchild #1900 Large Flower Piece , by Jan Brueghel. the pieces are 23 1/2"x 17 1/2". Fine arts puzzle
Address of puzzle is E.E. Fairchild Corp. 3947 Rochester NY. 14610
Thank-You for your help, hope to hear from you soon
"PBM"
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from Jim McW--15 November 2000:
Dear "PBM":

I started to say that most of the Fine Art puzzles seem to me to come from the fifties or earlier, but the five-digit zip code might suggest a later date. It might help if you could send us a picture, either by US Mail or by scanning and e-mail.
Anyone have any more info on this puzzle or its manufacturer? Jim McW
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[63]from "MAL"--15 November 2000:
I'm looking for the series of jigsaw puzzles that was put out by General Mills, Betty Crocker, and Milton Bradley in 1991. Each jigsaw puzzle can with a recipe card. Some of the titles were Creamy Pumpkin Pie, Honey Whole Wheat Bread, and Seafood Ragout in Puff Pastry Shell. The item number on each jigsaw puzzle box was 4292- the series began with 4292-1, 4292-2, etc.
If these jigsaw puzzles are still available, please advise. I am also looking for any jigsaw puzzles with baking goods pictures and or a Chief.
"MAL"
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from Jim McW--16 November 2000:
Dear "MAL":

It seems to me that I have seen one or two such puzzles on the market, but I very much think it's a "catch-as-catch-can" thing. I doubt they're still available commercially, so it would simply be a matter of searching for them. I would recommend internet auction sites in this regard. For instance, there is at the moment an auction for an UNOPENED Betty Crocker puzzle featuring a recipe for HONEY WHOLE WHEAT BREAD. I think you may expect that such a puzzle may turn up from time to time on internet auction sites, if you keep a sharp eye out. However, it may be unusual for it to be unopened! Back in October, there was an auction for Stauffer's Nifty Pretzels, Cookies, Crackers Puzzle, which had 100 pieces, and came in a bag. Picture subject was "Roses and Youth". We primarily provide a forum for exchange of information and ideas, but we occasionally sell off a few puzzles. See "Items For Sale" button on the Home Page. I will try to remember to let you know if I run across anything along the lines you mention. Jim McW
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from Jim McW--17 December 2000:
Dear "MAL":

I did find this one:
"Seafood Ragout in Puff Pastry Shells", Betty Crocker.
Anyone have any more info along these lines? Jim McW
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