[1204]from "LW"-20 February 2004:
Hiya, wonder if you can help me - i have quite a large collection of jigsaws - some of them are quite old. one in particular - i cannot find any information about it - regarding age etc.

It's a jigsaw by Philmar - and the front says "highland jigsaw" over 400 pieces - in full colour ? and its title is - No 1 ceremonial parade - it also has an extra piece in the jigsaw so two pieces are identical?

if you can tell me anything at all about this jigsaw i would be very grateful - even if its just the approx year?
the box is a bit battered - but the jigsaw is in quite good condition

many thanks
kind regards
"LW"
"Ceremonial Parade", PHIL-MAR HIGHLAND.
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from Jim McW--22 February 2004:
According to British Jigsaw Puzzles of the 20th Century, by Tom Tyler, PHIL-MAR published jigsaw puzzles from 1937 to 1980.
See No. 852, Page 58, for an entry about what may well be a similar puzzle from PHIL-MAR.
From the style, I would assume that it was published circa 1950's.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1205]from "RC"-20 February 2004:
RE: "Yellow Bird"
hello we have a copy of the jigsaw of the yellow bird done by Edmund Alder I bought it at a op shop for about AUST $1.oo, does any one know how old the jigsaw really is ?
"RC"
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[1206]from "BR"-20 February 2004:
I have 2 - 100 piece jigsaw puzzles from Mattel.
For ages 5-8.
What are the names for it.
They are item #42313 and #43489.
Enclsed is a scan picture of both of them.
Thank you.
"BR"
"Rugrats", MATTELTM
"SpongeBob Squarepants", MATTELTM
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[1207]from "BD"-22 February 2004:
Hi there,

I just started a search to find a particular puzzle I had as a child. I had three Walzer "in-frame" puzzles in the early 1950's. I still have two of the three puzzles, but my favorite somehow went by the wayside. I do not know of any details as far as name of puzzle, but only know of a description. It is a young girl playing "dress up" in either a bedroom or an attic. I think she probably had on a large hat. Not positive, but she may have seen herself in a mirror? I think there is a trunk-type chest that the clothing items were in.

The two that I do have are a young girl in a pink nightgown playing a small organ. There is doll in a nurse's uniform in the lower right-corner along with a baby doll in a crib with a bandage around its head. The background is light blue with white pokadots.
The other one is a kitchen scene with one older girl in a green and white striped dress, a little toddler boy sitting on a high stool that has steel legs. There is a bowl of fruit in his lap, and a younger girl with a red dress with white dots and a white bottom trim and white sleves to the boy's right. Kitchen background is yellow, cabinets are white, and floor is brown. I can take pictures if there is any interest in anyone seeing them.

I would love to know more about how to find Walzer puzzles or if you have any more information about Walzer and possible names of the puzzles they made other than what was mentioned in your reply to Little Old Lady in PA on October 1, 2002. I thought if I could find out the name of the one I was looking for, it might be easier to find?? I'm new at this and need a little direction. I did a lot of searching on internet auction sites over the past couple of days.

Thanks so much,
"BD"
girl playing piano children with high chair,
both of unknown title, A.M. WALZERTM
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from "anon"-- 26 October 2008:

HELLO, I AM LOOKING FOR THE 1950'S PUZZLE ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, A CHILD'S PUZZLE THAT I LOVED AS A CHILD AND WANT FOR MY GRANDAUGHTERS.....
IT IS ENTITLED ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, WITH A LITTLLE GIRL PLAYING THE PIANO OR ORGAN AND SHE IS IN PINK WITH HER HAIR IN CURLS ON TOP OF HER HEAD. THERE IS A LITTLE RED CROSS NURSE DOLL LEANING UP AGAINST THE PIANO BENCH ON THE FLOOR. ALMOST ALL THE WALLS AND BACKGROUND IS IN BLUE. IT JUST BROUGHT BACK SUCH MEMORIES THAT I WANTED IT FOR MY GRANDAUGHTERS.
IS THERE ANY PLACE I CAN GO TO ON THE INTERNET THAT WOULD PERHAPS HAVE IT?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME,
anon
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from Jim McW -- 29 October 2008:

One of the greatest rewards of having created this website is ... when various individuals add various pieces of information to help us to learn about an old jigsaw puzzle.
This may be another of these stories. Here's a picture of the puzzle :

girl playing piano
It was a puzzle published by A.M. Walzer. We have a small group of A.M. Walzer puzzles shown on our OTHER PUZZLES page. There you may see four children's puzzles. The girl at the piano looks like the same girl shown kneeling at prayer in another puzzle. It would be nice to learn the title of one or more of these old puzzles, and "Onward Christian Soldiers" would be a plausible title for the one with the girl playing the piano.
Good luck in your search!
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1208]from "JJ"-24 February 2004:
I am trying to locate a puzzle produced in 1972 in Sweden. It is a 100pc. puzzle that shows "TEAM CANADA" playing hockey against "TEAM SWEDEN". I would like to find out about this puzzle, as well as purchase one if there one available.

"JJ"
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[1209]from "T4"-24 February 2004:
I have an artwork signed by R. Atkinson Fox in the lower left hand corner. The picture has 2 steps entering from the right of a walkway lined with flowers, at the end of the walkway is a wall draped with vining flowers. The gateway post has large ball shaped tops. Mountain scene in distance. It's 18x30, in original frame, the corners of the frame are cut back at a diagonal. I have not been able to find anything on this piece. Any info. or ideas on this piece would greatly be appreciated.
"T4"
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from Jim McW--29 February 2004:
We know very little about prints, and, of course, this site is mainly about jigsaw puzzles. Having said that, the picture you describe is similar to one which has been reported as somewhat scarce, and untitled. Fox did many "garden" themes.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "T4"--3 March 2004:
thank you so much. I now have a picture of it:
garden scene, untitled, by R. Atkinson Fox.
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[1210]from "L"-24 February 2004:
dear puzzle history.,
hopefully you can help. a few days ago i purchased a puzzle by the warren paper products co., paragon picture puzzle,the titlt is called"a peaceful port"#1000, no date, warren built-rite puzzle, 1000 pieces. the box is not opened. the colours are very bright,mint condition.can you tell me the year, and value if possible. thank-you very much for all your help.
sincerely yours
"L"
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from Jim McW--29 February 2004:
We have not seen that particular title, and we cannot be sure without seeing the box, except to say that it was probably issued between 1960 and 1986, possible a bit earlier. We do not offer appraisals.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1211]from "R"-28 February 2004:
Folks, you have helped me in the past and I hope you can one more time. I have attached a picture of a Fine Arts 1000 piece jigsaw that I have. Would you please give me an approximate date of when this puzzle may have been made.
seaside garden scene, unknown title, FINE ARTS.
Thank you,
"L"
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from Jim McW--29 February 2004:
We believe this dates from the 1950's or 1960's, approximately. Is there any other information on the publisher or manufacturer?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1212]from the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art -3 March 2004:
I see that you have several comments and question regarding the history and biography of Frank Hamilton.

As to where his art can be bought or what it is worth, the answer to the first is that he had no gallery handling his original art at the time of his death (in Florida, sometime in 2000, we think). The Leanin’ Tree Museum is not a licensed appraiser, so we cannot give a value to his work. To sell it, [online auctions] come to mind, or else finding a local art gallery that will take re-sale art on consignment. There is still interest in Frank Hamilton’s work, but putting buyers and sellers together is tricky.

Finding a value to his original art and his prints involves using research departments at libraries to look up auction records and sales of Hamilton art in the past decade, or paying a licensed appraiser to do that for you.

Frank Hamilton was a personal friend of the founder and chairman of Leanin’ Tree Inc and we published dozens of Frank’s fine paintings as reproductions on greeting cards and calendars over the years. We are currently not printing any of Frank’s art on cards. We own ten of his original paintings but do not currently exhibit them. The following is the biographical material we have on Frank M. Hamilton (1930-2000?)

Frank M. Hamilton was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1930, and traveled extensively in search of new and unusual ideas for his paintings.

Although his subjects were generally studies of rural life in America, reminiscences of the past, relics of civilization that have remained unchanged for a century or more, he also painted Hawaii, the Orient, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bahamas was well as American Indian life.

Architecture is often dominant in a Hamilton watercolor, reflecting his educational background. Cautioned that the life of an artist was often precarious, Frank was persuaded to study building design. After spending two years at Stanford University, he finally received his degree in architecture from Kansas University in 1954. Shortly thereafter he received his license to practice architecture in the state of Kansas. Then followed two years of commissioned service in the US Army, during which he continued his artistic studies. After service in the army, he returned to architecture, but soon thereafter made painting his full-time profession, something he had considered ever since he had produced his first serious drawing at age fifteen.

Hamilton became one of the country’s more successful artists. Although he is primarily self-taught, he did study for a time with the American watercolorist Eliot O’Hara. Hamilton developed a meticulously detailed style but with a visionary quality that took his work out of the school of photographic realism. He was influenced by several prominent artists, predominantly Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth.

His paintings, in both oil and watercolor, show an affinity for the soul of America. The subjects he chose, always thoughtfully selected, tell a story, or perhaps bring back a memory, yet are always exquisitely drafted. His paintings and printed works have been collected widely. Hamilton was listed in Who’s Who in American Art in 1978.

From the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art
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[1213]from "JF"-29 February 2004:
I have a Big 10 Jig-Saw Type Picture Puzzle (1930's, 40's, or 50's). The box is yellow with white # 10's.
On the bottom half, the box has jig saw puzzle pieces.
interlocking
The title is: "ORANGE FESTIVAL"
Over 275 pieces
a 15 1/4 x 10 1/4
made in U.S.A. # 10

There are six different woman posing. Three are sitting (one with bare feet ). There is a flag of Orange's behind them.
Any Information would be greatly appreciated (including who posed for the picture).
Thank-You
"JF"
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[1214]from "JB"-1 March 2004:
I have in my possession a Tuco puzzle. Forward Roosevelt. Franklin Roosevelt's picture in on the cover.
Contrary to the red colored boxes I see on websites, this box is blue. What's more, it has never been opened. Plastic surrounds 90% of the box. The puzzle was never taken out of the box. Can someone help me with values on this item? Thanks,
"JB"
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from Jim McW--8 March 2004:
We do not offer appraisal services. See our FAQ page.
We doubt that the early Tuco puzzles were in shrinkwrap originally. This wartime series is often seen in boxes of blue, red, and white. I suspect that the boxes were used somewhat at random, or as available under prevailing conditions. It is possible that some puzzles in the series may appear predominately in one color or another, but we don't really know. You may want to check the Tuco site, who know a great deal more about Tuco puzzles than I do.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1215]from "DS"-3 March 2004:
I have a block puzzle from Germany.
I am wondering how much it is worth. My son got it as a gift. The box has -
Eichhornchen Cimmer dabei.
If you know of where I can get info on this puzzle, please let me know.
"JF"
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from Jim McW--8 March 2004:
We do not offer appraisal services. See our FAQ page. Anyone have other kinds of information about this puzzle?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1216]from "jkd"-5 March 2004:
Hi I'm from North Carolina and grew up on a tobacco farm as a child. I was interested in knowing if anyone has ever seen a puzzle with a tobbaco theme? And, if they knew where to find one. Thanks, "jkd"
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from Keith--14 March 2004:
Hi Jim,
I have some jigsaw puzzle cigarette cards that were issued by American Tobacco Co. around 1909. I am sure there are quite a few other puzzles on this theme out there.
Keith
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from Jim McW--17 March 2004:
Now that you mention it, I remember seeing a promotional puzzle featuring Winston Cigarettes. I think it must have been issued in the 1970's or 1980's.
Anne Williams, in her Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide, mentions several puzzles issued by tobacco companies.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1217]from "TLF"-8 March 2004:
Could you guesstimate the age of this puzzle?
"Warm Welcome", by F. Sands Brunner, PERFECT PICTURE.
I searched your site and others but have not found a similar box style for Picture Perfect Puzzles.
Maybe that is because the size of the puzzle and the "Family Edition". The illustration is signed F. Sands Brunner, who was a fairly well known illustrator who died in 1954.

My guess is late 30's given the style and dress. Any thoughts?

Thanks a lot.

"TLF"
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from Jim McW--8 March 2004:
I think your estimate is a bit early. From the overall style of the artwork, I would say late 1940's, but I suspect the puzzle could have been issued as late as the early 1950's.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1218]from "SDS"-1 March 2004:
Hi, I have in my possesion the box of Madmar Picture Puzzle Story Book Series by Madmar Quality. In the original box are 2 puzzles titled "The kittens shall have some pie" and "Getting ready for a walk". They are in like new condition, even have the orginial paper between puzzles. Can you tell be the age and value?
"SDS"
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from Jim McW--17 March 2004:
Madmar made puzzles for many years. Your set sounds as though it was probably issued in the 1930's or 1940's, but it's difficult to tell without more information or images. We do not offer appraisals.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1219]from "CH"-1 March 2004:
RE: No. 983, Page 65, pertaining to "The Duel", by Laslett J. Pott
To Whom it concerns!!!

I have found a Painting of The Duel by Laslett J. Pott. By chance, would you have any information about the man and his paintings? If not, could you lead me in the right direction in getting information about him? Such as the Era that he painted in?
I will appreciate any info.

Thanks,
"CH"
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from Jim McW--17 March 2004:
According to Chris McCann's Master Pieces: the Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles., Laslett J. Pott lived from 1837 to 1898, in Great Britain. He often painted "seventeenth- and eighteenth-century events and dress".
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1220]from "KW"-10 March 2004:
I was wondering if you had more information about the MB York puzzle "The New Heir". I have the puzzle but no box. I am trying to find the artist.
Anything would be helpful.
Thank you,
"KW"
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from Jim McW--17 March 2004:
You are referring to the puzzle we have illustrated on our MILTON BRADLEY Page 1. Does anyone know the artist or have any other information about this work?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1221]from "JS"-13 March 2004:
I recently purchased 2 bicentennial puzzles (1976) in cannisters they are unopened. One is called the declaration of independence, the other is spirit of 76. They were apparently a promotional offer from Blue Bell, there is little else i know about them. If you have any information, i would greatly appreeciate it.
Thank you
"JS"
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from Jim McW--17 March 2004:
We had not heard of these apparently promotional puzzles. Does anyone have any information about this series?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1222]from "CS"-14 March 2004:
Hello,

I have a wonderful puzzle that is about 40 years old,it depicts a winter scene of a small town around Christmas. On the right is a woman wearing a long coat and brown hat,pondering the purchase of a Christmas tree which is being held up and shown to her by a man wearing a blue shirt and brown hat. In the foreground there is a girl wearing a red jacket pulling a wagon filled with packages(she is seen from the back).She has blond pigtails. In the center of the picture is a man driving a sleigh pulled by a brown horse.The sleigh is dark red,there is a plaid blanket visible. On the left, a boy with blond hair is catching a ride through the town,kneeling on a sled which is hooked to the sleigh.There is a parked light green car on the far left. There are signs on buildings that read "Brennan's Drugs" and the "Cake Box" and the words HOTEL are visible.Colors are soft and muted.There is snow on the ground. The scene that is depicted is circa 1930-1940.There are some pieces missing from this puzzle,as it was put together and taken apart annually by my sister and myself.. I do not have the original box nor do I know the name of the manufacturer. I would appreciate any information about this puzzle .
Thank you!
"CS"
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from Jim McW--17 March 2004:
See No. 59, Page 5
Here's a detail from another version of the same original work:
"Main Street" [detail]
Can anyone identify the artist?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Chris McCann--7 August 2004:
Artist is M. DeV. Lee.
Chris
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[1223]from "IM"-16 March 2004:
I have a puzzle that I would like to get more info on. The puzzle is made by Wilkies,and has 500 pieces. The price at the time was 25 cents. The size is 16 by 20, and is No.105., "Summertime". It would be nice to know more about the time it was made. thank you
"IM"
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from Jim McW--18 March 2004:
The puzzle was made during the 1930's, as far as we know. See our Wilkie page.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1224]from "CP"-17 March 2004:
We have the Tuco puzzle Fishing Village. It says it is Series 950-G. We are wondering when it was made. Thanks.
"CP"
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from Jim McW--18 March 2004:
The puzzle was issued during the 1950's, I believe. See our Dating Tuco Puzzles page.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1225]from "LK"-18 March 2004:
Hi,

I have a Whitman Publishing Company puzzle that is in a cardboard can with a metal (looks like tin) bottom and top and the top screws off. It is titled " Sails Set " and is part of The Deluxe Guild series (Series #204). Do you know how old it might be? It cost 49 cents new. It is #4615:49. I found it at a thrift store and love it because it's old like me. It looks in near perfect condition but I haven't counted the pieces to see if it's all there. Any information would be wonderful.

Thank you,

"LK"
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from Jim McW--18 March 2004:
Your puzzle was issued during the 1950's, I believe. This puzzle may be similar to yours:
"Montmartre", 340 pieces, canister, WHITMAN DELUXE GUILDTM
Thanks, Jim McW
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