[1009]from "RK4"-10 May 2003:
I have seen a NY Times Front Page jigsaw puzzle of May 1945 celebrating "VE" Day, made by Parker Bros. Are there such puzzles celebrating the NY Times front page on the date of someone's birth?
"RK4"
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from Jim McW--23 May 2003:
As far as we know, only a handful of different, historically significant dates were issued in this series of "HISTORICAL PUZZLES". Among these were:
Lindbergh's Flight
Abdication of Edward VIII
the Six Day War, 1967
VEDay, 8 May 1945
We believe that these were all issued in 1968.
Can anyone provide additional titles, information, or pictures?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Anne Williams--5 August 2004:
Two other titles are:
Sinking of the Titanic (1914), and
First American in Space (1961)
Anne Williams. puzzles@bates.edu
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[1010]from "FB"-22 May 2003:
I am trying to find out the date/year a puzzle was made:

Milton Bradley, "Fire Department"

All I have is the puzzle box, with the number 4144 on the bottom

Can you provide any history on this puzzle ?

Thank you,

"FB"
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from Jim McW--23 May 2003:
Is this the puzzle?
"American Fire Department", MILTON BRADLEYTM.
According to Anne Williams' Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide,
"Fire Department" was issued c. 1910-1919.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Anne Williams--5 August 2004:
Hi Jim
Milton Bradley began making fire engine themed puzzles in the 1870s and continued for many decades. The "Fire Department" image that you show in your answer is one of the earliest and dates from about 1880. MB also issued a reproduction of this one around 1960-70. In between, there were many different designs as they modernized the appearance of the fire equipment to keep up with the times. Some of the fire engine puzzles were sliced into strips. Others had interlocking pieces on the borders and push-fit pieces in the center.
Anne Williams. puzzles@bates.edu
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[1011]
from Jim McW--25 May 2003:
RE: No. 378, Page 27
We have been trying to develop a list of all puzzles depicting airplane cockpits. We have one in our collection:
"Concorde Cockpit", NORDEVCO CHALLENGERTM, P-101.
On the back are listed other numbers in the "Challenger Series":
P-102 - "Spindrift"
P-103 - "Truly Scrumptious"
P-104 - "Grandma's Attic"
P-105 - "G-R-R-R-R!"
P-106 - "Pooch"
P-107 - "What's For Dessert"
P-108 - "Which Way to the Water"
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Nancy Ballhagen--3 June 2003:

the Gil Cohen "On Deck Over Scotland" was a cockpit puzzle.
Nancy
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from Jim McW--5 June 2003:
Well, now that you mention it, there's several other puzzle pictures which depict scenes set in cockpits, including at least two or three old Tuco's. Here's a picture of "On Deck...":
"On Deck Over Scotland", F.X. SCHMIDTM.
See also no. 378, Page 27.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Jim McW--8 June 2003:
Here's some other "cockpit" puzzles:
"Learjet Cockpit", Gates LearJet 55, by Sporty's Pilot ShopTM, Batavia, Ohio.
"Flight 747 Cleared For Takeoff", maker not known to us [but reportedly APRIL HOUSE]
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Kevin--1 July 2003:
RE: No. 378, Page 27
There is a puzzle of the Boeing cockpit produced by Regal Stationery Ltd., Toronto, Canada. Puzzle says "made in Canada" but I don't know if it is exclusive to Canada or if it was issued by different manufacturers elsewhere. (#2673) No other puzzles in this series listed on the box.
Kevin
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[1012]from "J23"-23 May 2003:
Hello, I am searching for a 1997 Charles Wysocki puzzle. I do not know the name of it, but it is a picture of a house with fishing gear in it. The # that I have is 4679-16. If you can help in any way, I would definately appreciate it.
Thanks,
"J23"
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from Jim McW--2 June 2003:
I think you want "Reel Dreams", but I don't think we have one in our collection. Try some of the links on our LINKS page.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1013]from "MW"-23 May 2003:
I found an old print by R.Atkinson Fox, left hand has the name John Drescher Co., NY. Can you give me any information on it . It is a garden of roses and a walkway and fountain.
"MW"
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from Jim McW--2 June 2003:
Several of the works of R. Atkinson Fox include gardens and a walkway or two, including "Be It Ever So Humble", "Garden of Hope", and "Garden Beautiful". We don't know of one which includes a fountain. Does anyone recognize this work?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from "MP"--13 August 2004:
The painting by R A Fox you describe is simply ' the fountain'.
We have an original 'an old fashioned cottage'
wonderful stuff
"MP"
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[1014]from "JK"-23 May 2003:
Jim:
I recently purchased a Tuco Children's puzzle that has 100 large pieces. The box states that it is series 1000 and that there are eight puzzles in the series. Could you give me more information about this series? The puzzle has an edge that says Tuco puzzle in strips.
"JK"
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from Jim McW--2 June 2003:
We just acquired this pretty little puzzle, which may be similar:
"Little Chicks", TUCO, CHILDREN'S GIANT-SIZE, ALBUM SERIES NO. 1001.
The box states further that this series contains:
II - Greatest Show on Earth
III - Branding Time
IV - Always Be Safe
V - The Camp Robber
VI - Meditation
The pieces are the usual thick TUCO pieces, but much larger.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1015]from "D2"-2 June 2003:
What is the word used for a person who puts jigsaw puzzles together?
Thank you for your assistance.
"D2"
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from Jim McW--5 June 2003:
The word we often use is "puzzler". Another possibility is "dissectologist", we suppose, as we are members of the Benevolent Confraternity of Dissectologists.
Does anyone know of other terms for jigsaw puzzle assemblers?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1016]from "T27"-27 May 2003:
I have 2 old puzzles. One is titled "Arabian Scouts", the other is "Autumn Colors". The boxes say "JIGETTE PICTURE PUZZLES, AS FASCINATING AS THE MOST EXPENSIVE WOOD PUZZLES". They were made by HAMBLET STUDIOS in Akron, Ohio. They have very unusual shapes. I am sending along a picture of one box.
box, JIGETTE PUZZLE. Can you tell me anything about them?
Thank you
"T27"
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from Jim McW--5 June 2003:
We have one picture of a JIGETTE puzzle:
"Lighthouse", JIGETTE, 1930's. This looks very much like a picture taken from a painting of Morro Castle, by Dey Deribcowsky.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1017]from "CS"-28 May 2003:
Dear Sir/Madame,

My son recently found a WHITMAN puzzle in the attic of our house.... The title of the puzzle is "Norfolk, England", and the number on the puzzle is "4777." It appears to be very old and has never been opened, the box is still sealed. We are interested to know the year the puzzle was manufactured and any additional information you can give us on this particular puzzle. My son is very excited at the prospect of having found something valuable, so if you wouldn’t mind satisfying our curiosity, we would greatly appreciate your efforts. Thank you very much in advance.

Sincerely,
"CS"
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from Jim McW--6 June 2003:
It is impossible to say for sure, without a picture or description, but we suspect that your puzzle is from the 1960's or later. You can look at our FAQ page, to learn a bit about the many different factors which affect the value of a puzzle. The fact that the puzzle is unopened may increase the value, for instance.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1018]from "CM"-29 May 2003:
I have several puzzles that were made by Tuco. They were manufactured in two different locations according to box. One from Tuco Workshops, Inc. out of Lockport, NY and the other from Div of Munro Games, Inc. out of Buffalo, NY. I'm from these areas and looked them up and they are no longer listed. I need to find where they are now and if they still make the same puzzles that I own. Also I would like to know where I go to find out their worth, if any. Could you please help me ? I'd be greatly appreciative. Thank you.
"CM"
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from Jim McW--5 June 2003:
You can learn more about TUCO puzzles and the companies which produced them in our TUCO SECTION and on the TUCO PUZZLE SITE. TUCO puzzles have not been published since the mid-1980's.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1019]from "JT"-29 May 2003:
Hello -

Would you have any info on an early-mid 1990's Bits and Pieces puzzle advertised as "Blue Plate Special" (might also be known as "Joan's Diner"). It had at least 1,000 pieces and when finished, measured approximately 24" X 36" or larger. The B & P company no longer has any record of it. The picture is a photograph of a cleverly constructed scenario inside a diner made entirely from small household items. There are three human-like figures - two waitresses in pink uniforms and a customer seated at the counter. Most impressive is the artist's use of objects such as an egg slicer representing a jukebox, tips of a red and yellow crayon on the counter next to a child's pencil sharpener depicting ketchup, mustard and napkin holder, a rubber bathtub stopper hung as a wall clock, white thumb tacks on original cardboard base portray a tiled-floor, and the plate carried by one of the waitresses is actually a button.

There was another puzzle of the same concept known as "Juanita's Bodega" which B & P also offered then. I have no recollection of the manufacturer or the "artist" whose work is depicted. I would like to purchase one or both again but can't seem to find any new or used.

Thank you very much for your time!

"JT"
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from Jim McW--5 June 2003:
See Q&A no. 380, Page 27; no. 827, Page 57; and our LISTS page.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1020]from "JNO"-29 May 2003:
I recentely visited the Pier Restaurant in Bayfield Wisconsin and on the North wall there was a framed puzzle of the waterfront. The people in the restaurant did not seem to know anything about it or where I could buy one. I found one in an internet auction and the description was Guild 1000 Lake Superior Harbor, Bayfield, WI. I bid but did not win so am still looking for a place to buy this puzzle. The scene is looking from the lake into the small town and the back of sailboats is in the foreground. There is a gazebo just off center to the left. Can anyone help me?
"JNO"
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from "BD"--9 July 2004:
Hey JNO,
I know its been a while since your inquiry, but I know the answer to your question. Well sort of. The puzzle is make by hasbro/guild - the upc code on the box is - 073000047108 - there is also a number 04710-21 on the box as well. I recently discovered this puzzle in my closet and decided to put it together. After long hours working the puzzle, I found out I am 3 pieces short. That is why I am searching the internet.... Good luck on your hunt....
"BD"
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[1021]from "SS"-6 June 2003:
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am wondering if you could help me. I have had this puzzle since childhood, ca. 1966, and the box got lost very early. I would like to know from where the picture is and also who is the manufacture of it.
unknown, [title and maker not known].
Would you be so kind to see if you know the answer, please.

Thank you,

"SS", from Iceland
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from Jim McW--6 June 2003:
We believe it is probably from the 1950's or 1960's and appears to be a scene from southern Europe, perhaps Italy (?).
Does anyone have any ideas about the maker or the locale?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1022]from "SF"-25 May 2003:
I picked up a childrens jigsaw puzzle sometime ago for a quarter and wonder if anyone has an idea of the year(s) it was produced. It was made by Madmar Quality Co. of Utica NY. The box has "Three Puzzles in This Box" printed at top and "At the Circus Picture Puzzle" "Series No 317" in lower left corner. Picture of two clowns on either side of an elephant standing atop a shallow barrel. The 3 puzzles are complete. Any information would be greatly appreciated and I thank you all in advance for taking the time to read this.
"SF"
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from Jim McW--6 June 2003:
We have seen such a set, and we believe it to be from the 1940's or earlier.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1023]from "TG"-8 June 2003:
Dear Sirs,
Your site has been so helpful to so many people. I guess it is our turn to ask some questions, so here it goes. When we moved into our current home, our oldest daughter found this puzzle and we have been wondering when it was made and maybe how much it would be valued at. The puzzle itself is very heavy, and thick and I have sent some pictures of it along.
"Two Little Miners", PLAYSKOOLTM, by GOLDEN PRESSTM.
It was made from playschool, but that is all we know. Thanks for your help. Sincerely
"TG"
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from Jim McW--8 June 2003:
Thanks for the kind words, but we don't know much about this puzzle. I think its main value would be to the people who collect PLAYSKOOLTM items.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1024]from "DW"-10 June 2003:
In reviewing your Tuco pictures (McCann codes), I cannot find this one:
A box closest to LG 09 (or 10) but it is smooth & grey, without any pattern whatsoever.
Is this an oddity or an addition for McCann?
Also, I assume your pictures are not inclusive of all color flavors, since I have pink and orange LG09's as well as the red and yellow shown. Is that the case?
Thanks!
"DW"
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from Jim McW--12 June 2003:
We do not display all the varieties of Tuco boxes. In fact, we haven't even SEEN all the varieties! You can see another display of TUCO box varieties on the TUCO Puzzle Site. Of course, Chris McCann is the original source for these codes.
Our understanding is that there is a considerable variety of colors in the LG09 and LG10 codes.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1025]from "JR"-10 June 2003:
Hiya. I don't know if you can help, but I've got an old Arrow Games Ltd jigsaw called 'The Clifton', and I'm trying to find out where the building in the picture is. I've searched for Arrow Games, but I can't find a site for them. Do they still exist? If not, do you think there's any way I can find out about this jigsaw?
"The Clifton", ARROW GAMESTM.

Sorry to be a nuisance

love,
"JR"
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from Jim McW--12 June 2003:
According to British Jigsaw Puzzles of the 20th Century, by Tom Tyler, ARROW GAMES produced puzzles from 1965 to 1987. As to the whereabouts of the building in the picture, perhaps one of our readers will know....
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Keith--3 July 2003:
There are a few Cliftons in UK, the best known is near Bristol. There is a Clifton Hall near Clifton Village ( you can check this one out on the web) this is associated with the Clifton Family and was their stately home, but cannot tie in to the puzzle. Will let you know if I do come up with anything.
Regards,
Keith
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[1026]from "BH"-10 June 2003:
Hi Jim,
I do know a little about the artist of the print and puzzle "Strauss Waltz" - I still have the copy of the puzzle I got in the 1960's. I just recently thought I would do some searching to find out about the artist. My copy of the puzzle had a copyright statement "Donald Art Company" that I could no longer find in business. I did locate a library that owned a catalog of the artwork of the Donald Art Co. and was able to borrow the book through my Interlibrary Loan Service at the Library. August Albo is the artist for this painting (several other of his painting are in the catalog also). One painting of his that was also made into a puzzle was Free as the Wind (a painting of horses). I wish that I was lucky enough to have some of his originals. I love my puzzle though.
"BH"
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from Jim McW--12 June 2003:

See No. 897, Page 60, and other questions about Albo, as well as this puzzle:
"Strauss Waltz", SAALFIELD CHALLENGETM.
Any information about the artist or his work will be of interest to a number of people!
Thanks,
Jim McW
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