[1143]from Geert Bekkering--13 December 2003:

RE: Q&A no. 953, Page 63

Dear VT,

The Dutch company "BCF" Bornse Cartonage Fabriek, who produced the inexpensive White Horse puzzles in the 1970’s, stopped production in about 1990. Their aim never was the high quality of Jumbo or Ravensburg, rather the opposite. They focused on beautiful pictures and a cardboard quality that would be good enough to assemble the puzzle at least once. In the Netherlands, their puzzles turn up at car boot sales at ridiculously low prices.
The Sinterklaas feast is related to your father Christmas, but is older and at December 5th.
Enjoy them, they’re nice!

Geert Bekkering
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from Jim McW--14 December 2003:
For those who don't already know, Geert is the author of Stukje Voor Stukje: Geschiedenis van de Legpuzzle in Nederland, [by Betsy and Geert Bekkering, Pub. 1988, Van Soeren & Co., Amsterdam.] You can get his address, etc., on our LINKS page.
You can also see Geert Bekkering's site of Raphael Tuck Jigsaw Puzzles
You can also buy a copy of his book (in Dutch) and an English translation on our SALE Page.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1144]from "JnMA"-13 December 2003:
Hi!

I have a question about an unusual situation. I have a client who want an antique puzzle framed, even though some of the pieces were missing. I was wondering if you had any ideas for filling in the missing spaces? Just to have something there instead of an empty space. I was thinking of maybe filling the spaces in with tinted parrafin wax while it was laying flat?
What do you think? Have you ever heard of doing something like this?

Any suggestions gratefully appreciated!!

Thanks,

"JnMA"
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from Jim McW--14 December 2003:
There is not necessarily a need to "fill in" the missing spaces. It's largely a matter of personal preference. For that, of course, you would have to consult your client (before filling the spaces with wax!).
It may depend in part on whether the pieces are interlocking or not. Our own feeling is that, if they are tightly interlocking, the puzzle is better displayed, as a puzzle, with the missing spaces not filled in. If you find that you must, for whatever reason, fill them in, we suggest something that is not going to react with the paper in the puzzle. My first thought is pieces of art board or hardwood, cut to the exact dimensions and shape of each missing piece. Some would try to paint them to reproduce the overall effect of the original artwork, but the client may prefer to have them "blank".
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1145]from "SN"-17 December 2003:
Hi, This site has said that this puzzle is intitled "Double Trouble" but none of the pictures looked like mine....
"Double Trouble", Whitman.
It is a Whitman's Jigsaw puzzle....has a yellow star with 29 cents in the middle located in the top left corner on the top of the box... it's 11 1/2" x 15" and has 63 pieces... It has a yellow seal that says "another whitman fun-planned puzzle for boys and girls not too hard not too easy". On one side of the box it says For boys and girls who like real puzzles series no. 302. And on another side it says " No. 4429 - Whitman publishing Co, Racine Wisconsin Made in USA by Western Printing & Lithographing Company"

I hope this helps....I tried to give as much details as possible. Thank you!

"SN"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
It was not unusual during the 1930's and 1940's for different puzzle producers to use the same artwork for their puzzles. You don't say what the title of your puzzle is. Sometimes, the various puzzles were published with the same titles, other times with different titles. We believe that your puzzle was probably produced during the 1950's, although it could have been slightly earlier or later.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1146]from "NM"-16 December 2003:
Hi there

I'm really hoping you can help me! Some well-known puzzle sites on the net have not been able to and the last one (missouripuzzles.com) directed me to you!

I am looking for a puzzle from the 1970s I believe (or perhaps early to mid 1980s). It is cartoon-ish in style and very colorful. The picture is of a mother bird flying over a baby bird in a rainstorm. Because she is flying over the baby bird, the baby bird is protected from the rain, so a large chunk of the picture is actually only sky blue in color.

Does this ring any bells? Do you have any idea where I might find this puzzle? It has a warming sentiment and would mean a lot to me to be able to find it again.

Any help you can give would certainly be appreciated :o)

Thanks!
"NM"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
Anyone who can give us information, hints, suggestions, leads, etc., please write in.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1147]from "ME"-26 December 2003:
Hi
I purchased a TUCO puzzle this past summer and wondered if you had seen this one.
"Well Anchored", by Hintermeister, TUCO.
I did not see it on your web site. The name of the puzzle is "well anchored" and the number on it is 2508. It is not an interlocking puzzle. The note on the back of the puzzle states that it was put together in 1965 and all the pieces are intact. Any information you have would be welcomed. Do you have any idea about the value of this puzzle? I put it together and it is in wonderful shape. The box is in fair condition. The picture is of a young boy on a log across a stream. He is reaching for his sailboat with a small stick. He is "anchored" by a large dog who has a hold of his britches.
Thank you.
"ME"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
We believe that your puzzle was published circa the 1940's. We do not provide appraisals, but you can see a brief discussion of some factors which affect the value of your puzzle on our FAQ page.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1148]from "DV"-28 December 2003:
Please Reference #1037 - July 2003 [Page 68]
I also have acquired two Chatham Puzzles, and am interested in finding out how common they are. Does one see them often? There is next to nothing concerning them or the manufacturing of them - who, I believe was actually Milton Bradley. I have :
"The Wayside Inn", by J. Halford Ross, [CHATHAM], and another CHATHAM by Philip R. Goodwin titled "Red Demon of the Forest". They are both scroll cut and interlocking all over - over 465 pieces. Also, do you know what the composition of these puzzles was? There is no information given on the box.

Thank you,

"DV"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
We believe that these were diecut in cardboard. According to Anne Williams' Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide, Chatham puzzles were produced in the late 1930's.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
See no. 1037, Page 68.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1149]from "DS"-31 December 2003:
I came across a "Children's Puzzle Play Kit" by TUCO which has four miniture puzzles titled; "The Little Milkmaid," "Away we Go," "The Guardian," and "Retriever's Reward." The little carrying box indicatest they are 100% interlocking and Tripl-thick for ages 3-10. I was wondering if you know what year this was from. I checked out your website but could not find any information.
Thanks for your help.
"DS"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
I have only seen one of these, so I suspect they may be a bit scarce. We believe that these were probably issued in the 1950's. TUCO WORKSHOPS published many, many puzzles between 1932 and about 1983. We make no pretence to being able to illustrate all of these.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1150]from "GN"-2 January 2004:
RE: "Gorgeous Autumn", No. 303, Page 22
CM,

Did you ever put the puzzle together? We believe that the puzzle is also named Gorgeous Wonderland. See Fairco Puzzle list.
"Gorgeous Wonderland", FAIRCO.
It may also be a TUCO TV Series #2908. We have been trying the id the artist. Can you provide any help?

"GN"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
We haven't heard whether "CM" completed the puzzle or not, but we checked our files. There is at least one TUCO puzzle of the same subject. According to Sterling Mason, Tuco Puzzles, 1932-1957, this was the work of Alois Arnegger, 1879-1967. If there is also TV Series version of this work, there must be at least three different TUCO puzzles based on it.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1151]from "KB"-3 January 2004:
Good afternoon and Happy New Year!!
I recently received a puzzle from my mom (it's an old one), but it was stored in a coffee can and not the puzzle box. I have pulled it out and am attempting to put it together, but was wondering if you have access to a picture -- it's the Grand Series 4870.

Maybe I'll get it done soon, but I thought I'd ask. By the way, your site is great!
"KB"
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
Well, you may have already completed the puzzle. We took a bit of a holiday to spend some time with family.
In any case, we would not be able to provide a picture, even if we had a complete database of MILTON BRADLEY GRANDTM guide pictures. The number 4870 designates the Grand series, which was published for at least 17 years (1978-1995), and probably for a lot longer than that.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1152]from "GC"-3 January 2004:
I too have a painting by Frank M. Hamilton. He has signed it, and the name is "Deep Winter." Size is approximately 24x30 and is a scene of a large farm house, a barn, and an old wagon sitting in front of the buildings. It is on canvas. My family has had it for about 50 years or so. I would love to know more about this artist and his paintings. Thank you for such a wonderful site.
"GC"
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from Jim McW--16 January 2004:
We received e-mails from three people recently, all saying they have this painting, all very curious about the artist. We are still trying to gather info, from wherever we can, about Frank Hamilton. Eventually, with luck, we may provide a page devoted to puzzles based on his artwork. In the meantime, we recommend using our SEARCH page ( with the search term " hamilton " , to find the various references to him on our site, including one of the latest, no. 1162.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1153]from "LSW"-3 January 2004:
I am looking for a sculpture {layered} puzzle of an eagle head, I saw it a few years ago. They also had an angel's head.
Where can I find it?
"LSW"
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[1154]from "RAE"-4 January 2004:
hello, I just came across your web page, and was thrilled to find someone else looking for info on sifo puzzles. I collect Black Americana and have 5 different 'little black sambo' wooden tray style puzzles. I can tell by the manner in which each sambo is depicted, that these span several decades. I would appreciate any info anyone can give on these puzzles, most of all, how many different ones were made?
thanks much...
"RAE"
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[1155]from "DP"-4 January 2004:
I’m curious about a 6 puzzle set that I have. These are preschool puzzles by the Saalfield Publishing Co. of Akron, OH. On the side of the box it says copyright mcmxlix and the #7450. I would like to know a possible date made and are they worth much.

I am sending you a couple of pictures.

Thankyou,

"DP"
"6 Pre-School Puzzles" box
SAALFIELD, circa late 1940's-early 1950's.
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from Anne Williams--28 January 2004:
mcmxlix is roman numerals for 1949
Anne Williams. puzzles@bates.edu
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[1156]from "HC"-4 January 2004:
Hello~
Recently at an antique show I purchased a print by John Drescher Co. N.Y. I bought it for 5 dollars. It is of a woman with brown hair and it's in bun. It is her profile. She has gray eyes and her lipstick is bright red. Her hands are folded up by her chest and her pointer finger on her right hand is on her chin. On her left hand she has a large red ring on her wedding finger, and on her right wrist she has a bracelet. And around her neck she has a long necklace. She is wearing beige dress, it is cut low (it ends up by her chest) and it is sleeveless. She has a shawl around her it is dark blue and red. It is a very beautiful picture. At first I thought it was just a poster print but it is thick like a picture. I haven't taken it out of the packaging I bought it in so I don't know if anything is written on the back. I was reading the website and it had numerous things about the company it says on the picture but nothing on this particular one. So I was wondering if you knew anything about this picture and if so what? Thank you for your time,

"HC"
"young lady", print, unknown title and artist, published by John Drescher Co.
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from Jim McW--4 January 2004:
We cannot identify it. Drescher provided some artwork for puzzle makers, and, I suspect, they also began at some point to manufacture the puzzles and packaging. The style appears to me to date from circa 1900-1930.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Anne Williams--5 August 2004:
This picture goes back at least to the 1930s. The title is "Puzzled" and the artist is Gabriel Nicolat. I have seen it used on several wood jigsaw puzzles from the 1930s.
Anne Williams. puzzles@bates.edu
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from "JSG"--8 March 2006:
I also have a print by John Drescher Co. It’s really well done.
woman, title and artist unknown

Hope it’s okay to post here. I doubt that Jim McW is still checking this site after 2 years.

I was researching my print and this is the only site that I came across that provided any information at all.

Best of luck to others that are searching.
"JSG"***************
from Jim McW--15 March 2006:
Nothing would be posted on this site unless Jim McW were occasionally at the post!
Tired, but still slogging on, Jim McW
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[1157]from "BC"-5 January 2004:
Hi,

I enjoy your site and hope someone can identify the puzzle in the attached picture. I bought it framed, no box, and it seems older. The pieces are thin cardboard and in the white ones some age foxing is visible. The artist's name looks like A. Wilcox. I searched on that name here and drew a blank. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

"BC"
"ships", title and maker unknown
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from Jim McW--31 January 2004:
We looked all through our database, because it really looks familiar. However, we could not identify it. We did have a bit more luck on the second puzzle you sent us [see no. 1178].
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1158]from "SEW"-6 January 2004:
I was just wondering if you could give me any information on an old puzzle that we have. It was bought through the mail from the Hills Bros.Coffee Co. (the date on the puzzle is 1933) The puzzle is a picture of a pot of coffee brewing, with a bunch of pictures of men on the pot (policeman, fireman, and other guys) all running around in different directions. At the top of the puzzle it says "Where's the Fire", and at the bottom below the coffee pot, it says "Under a pot of Hills Brothers Coffee". I have not been able to find any information about this puzzle, or its value.
Thank you,
"SEW"
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from Jim McW--10 January 2004:
You must not have attempted a search on our SEARCH page, or you would have found our Q&A no. 453, Page 32. This was ( and still is ) a popular little puzzle. Unfortunately, it is a little hard to come by, some 70 years after issue!
"Hills Brothers Coffee puzzle", promotional puzzle from the early 1930's.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1159]from "LD"-7 January 2004:
A few years ago I read somewhere that there is a National Puzzle holiday. I believe it was celebrated in January. I would like more information on this as I am a director of a pre-school and puzzles are one of our favorite pastimes. We would gear up and have a marathon day of unique puzzles.

Sincere Thanks,
"LD"
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from Jim McW--10 January 2004:
We did a quick search on the internet and found two references to January 29, as "National Puzzle Day".
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1160]from "LS"-7 January 2004:
I am looking for the hardest and most pieces black and white puzzle. Can you help me as to where I can purchase one?
"LS"
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from "DR"--11 May 2004:

I have seen on internet auctions 1000 piece 2 puzzles by "M .C .ESCHER ".
Both of which are Black and White , made by "Selegiochi" in Milan Italy .
One was called " Ascending and Descending ", the other " Waterfall ", both of which I possess.
ESCHER was born in 1898 and died 1972 .
Puzzles produced from his prints are " Day and Night " , " Metamorphose ", " Reptiles ", " Drawing Hands ", " Relativity ", " Bond of Union " , " Concave and Convex ", " Belvedere ", and the two previously mentioned . These puzzles I would like to possess also but they are very difficult to get hold of .
Regards
"DR"
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[1161]from "JDW"-8 January 2004:
Hi.

I was wondering if you could help me. I have an old puzzle that I would love to know more about. I have attached a photo.:
"blind man's buff", perhaps. Title and maker unknown. On the bottom right hand corner it says "Copyright 1909 by H. or M.L. Kick. Any information you might have would be much appreciated.

Thanks
"JDW"
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from Anne Williams--28 January 2004:
Artist is Maria L. Kirk who illustrated many children's books. The publishers often sold extra copies of the prints to puzzle manufacturers.
Anne Williams. puzzles@bates.edu
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[1162]from "JF"-10 January 2004:
RE: No. 985, Page 65 [Frank M. Hamilton]
I met Frank in 1970, at his home in San Clemente, and I have one of his watercolors. He was just getting into oil paintings then and was associated with an art gallery in Laguna Beach. He later moved to Jerome, Arizona (1980's?) and was painting some great looking old houses and desert scenes.
"JF"
P.S. His wife moved to Cambria, Ca. and had a shop there.
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from Jim McW--5 March 2004:
See our new Frank M. Hamilton page.
Thanks, Jim McW
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