[1241]from "HW"-17 April 2004:
My 95 year old Grandmother passed away this year and I have found this puzzle in her belongings. It's made by Apollo with Vera Wood and its title is on a very old piece of paper attached to the Box:
"Une table au moulin rouge d'apres Toulouse-Lautrec".
box
label
Contains 350 pieces and is complete.
The Box is black with gold foil spider webs and a Gold Foil logo and has a ribbon attached to it. It was very difficult to put together. Any information on this would be helpful.
Thanks,
"HW"
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from Geert Bekkering--7 May 2004:
The French Company, Vera [Paris], was active from about 1920 [until sometime] after WW II. They produced luxury, hand cut jigsaw puzzles with quality pictures, sometimes even on expensive hardwoods or early plastics. Their boxes show this luxury too. They are collectible now. When [one of these puzzles] turns up in [an auction in France] , it attracts many bidders. For good reasons, they are very attractive and fun to do. Most likely, rising wages in the 1960’s did cause the Company to stop producing.
I’m sorry I can’t tell you more about the history of the Company. So far, nobody [has done] serious research on French jigsaw puzzles.

Geert Bekkering***************
from Jim McW--7 May 2004:
Please see more information and links about Geert's work on our LINKS page and our SALE page. Also, see no. 1255, below.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1242]from "SC"-18 April 2004:
In response to April 13, 2003 inquiry to Moonlit Waters [No. 975, Page 64], I have a print of the picture "Its's Raining Moonbeams", by EU. Ottenfeld.
I too would like to know something about the painter, I have looked everywhere has anyone been luckier that I have. Below is the picture.
"It's Raining Moonbeams".
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from Jim McW--19 April 2004:
Does anyone have any information about Ottenfeld?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Jim McW -- 6 May 2008:

"GE", from Shreveport, Louisiana, wrote us with some excellent search results.: The artist's name was Eugen Von Ottenfeld, and he apparently was Austrian and lived from 1874 to 1947. Thanks!
Jim McW
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[1243]from "VK"-19 April 2004:
Good morning Jim,
I have a Tuco Jumbo, series No. 2500-7 interlocking picture puzzle called Snow covered Road - 21-1/4 by 21-1/4.
"Snow Covered Road", TUCO.
What year was this made?
My husband claims that he has had it in his attic since the 40's.
Thank you

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from Jim McW--19 April 2004:
We don't want to get caught in the middle here...
However, as far as we know, TUCO didn't start making interlocking puzzles until about the 1950's. It is also our impression that they didn't produce any 1000-piece puzzles until some time in the 1950's. We do not believe your puzzle is later than 1959.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1244]from "CS"-19 April 2004:
Hello there! I was hoping you'd be able to identify this puzzle for me.
I'm not sure where it came from, however my understanding is that it was in circulation at least as early as the 70's. This particular one was put together (and subsequently ruined over the intervening years) about 15 years ago. Please have a look and let me know if you recognize it at all? Thanks!
unknown puzzle [click on picture for more detail]
Thank you
"CS"
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[1245]from "M19"-19 April 2004:
I just acquired a WALZER PUZZLE NO. 100.
It is a WWII childrens puzzle with cardboard backing and has about 50 large pieces.
It is in excellent condition and depicts an ocean scene with the statue of Liberty in the background. There are 3 airplaines flying in the sky and a large battleship in the foreground with a us flag and large guns and naval personnel on the deck. Any information?
Thanks,
"M19"
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from Jim McW--20 April 2004:
There was at least two or three different puzzle pictures which would fit this description, loosely at any rate. Here's two:
"Guardians of Freedom" ,
Victory Series, early 1940's, [ by Robert Skemp ? ]
"Guardians of Liberty", TUCO, World War 2 era, [ by Thomas J. Slaughter ? ]
We believe that A.M. Walzer produced puzzles for children primarily during the 1940's.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1246]from "EB"-24 April 2004:
Dear Sirs,
I have a 1966 MiltonBradley puzzle unopened it is called Blossomtime. I would like to know what it might be worth. Would like to work it but thought it would be worth more unopened. Please advise me on this. Thank you for your time.
"EB"
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from Jim McW--20 April 2004:
We do not offer appraisals, but, in general, vintage jigsaw puzzles can SOMETIMES be worth 20% to 100% more, if in unopened condition, than they will be if you open them. This is not always true, though. It depends on many different factors. See internet auctions of similar puzzles, to get a general idea of the kinds of prices such a puzzle might bring, if opened. We have seen some unopened puzzles sell for prices comparable with opened, complete puzzles. See our FAQ page for more discussion of values.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1247]from "LW"-31 March 2004:
Hi:

I recently found your site while looking into puzzle manufacturer sites. I noticed one or two of your fellow puzzlers mentioned not being able to find puzzles of cowboys and cattle drives and basically western scenes.

Well, I am a photographer who has thousands of images of cowboys and cattle drives and western scenes, and now writing to puzzle publishers to try and get some of these images on puzzles. I rode on and photographed the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive a few years ago, and have hundreds of images from that, which would make great puzzles. And, they were all shot from horseback, so the images are right in the middle of the action! So, to your fellow puzzlers who are looking, hang in there, I am working on getting the requested puzzle images out there. Thanks,
"LW"
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[1248]from "P22"-22 April 2004:
Thought you may be interested in this. Do you know anything about who may have made this lovely large jigsaw?
" The Keen Rival " ,
441 wooden pieces, early 20th century, unknown maker.
" The Keen Rival " , detail.
Regards
"P22"
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[1249]from "SS"-26 April 2004:
I have a Big Star puzzle titled "Just In Time" . Would it hurt the value of the puzzle if I mount it when I'm finished putting it together?

Thank you,
"SS"
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from Jim McW--20 April 2004:
See our FAQ page for some discussion of values.
In general, we encourage people to enjoy collectibles for the enjoyment which they provide, rather than any investment potential.
Mounting a puzzle can affect the collectability or appeal of a jigsaw puzzle:
--Some potential buyers may not be interested if the puzzle has been glued together. (It is possible to mount some puzzles without using glue, however.
--Mounted puzzles are often displayed for substantial periods of time. You should protect them from the effects of excess sunlight.
--Some buyers may actually be more interested in buying a puzzle if they are able to view the assembled puzzle and see that it is complete.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from "jkm"--17 July 2004:
"SS"
A great way to enjoy a jigsaw puzzle without destroying it by gluing it is to put it behind glass in a picture frame. After you have put the puzzle together, just transfer it to the glass frame face down and put on the backing. The older puzzles will generally fit in an inexpensive 16 by 20 inch oak frame with glass. You can cut strips from wall board to adjust for the size and make it fit tightly. The key is to display it away from light and for short periods of time to protect the color.
jck
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from Chris McCann--1 August 2004:
When mounting a puzzle under glass, it's wise to place a mat between the puzzle and the glass. Otherwise, it's possible that moisture will get in between the puzzle and the glass, which could cause the glue on the puzzle to deteriorate which in turn could result in the paper on each of the pieces peeling away from the cardboard.
Chris
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[1250]from "BA"-27 April 2004:
hi
I have a puzzle I would like more info on. It is a puzzle by Waddington's. It's called Antique Dolls by Waddington's. The title of the puzzle is "A stroll in the place pigalle." It says it is styled by Barbara B Brand. It doesn't tell me when it was made.
"BA"
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[1251]from "MB"-29 April 2004:
See Q&A No. 881, Page 60
I have a Victory Jigsaw of The Headland, Newquay (the artist looks like R Burdon) which was part of their Beauty Spot Series.
"MB"
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[1252]from "ME"-30 April 2004:
Dear Sir/Madam

I'm trying to found information about a puzzle, that is a very big one, original from an english puzzle company or organization, I don't remember.
In this case the solution of this game had a reward (cash) very important. please, any person knowing something about this subject, could you send me some information?
the information appeared a coupple years ago here, but I cannot obtain the article.
thank a lot for your possible help
"ME"
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[1253]from "AL"-2 May 2004:
Greetings,

I am tasked with making a prop jigsaw puzzle for a motion picture set in 1925. I have been trying to find out if puzzles in 1925 were made exclusively from wood or if cardboard puzzles were available at that time. Can you tell me whether a cardboard puzzle would have been available, or likely, in 1925?

Many thanks,
"AL", Los Angeles
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from Jim McW--2 May 2004:
To answer your question, cardboard was beginning to be used, even in the late 1800's, but, according to Anne Williams, in her book, "Jigsaw Puzzles: A Brief History and Price Guide", "...the techniques of puzzle production changed dramatically after World War I when die-cut cardboard puzzles largely supplanted traditional hand-cut ones."
Wooden puzzles were sometimes too expensive for the average person, but they were available by rent from numerous "puzzle lending libraries", especially in the northwestern U.S.A., often for a few cents per day or week. Also, die-cut advertising puzzles became available in the late 19th century. McLoughlin Brothers was making its puzzles out of pressboard by the late 1800's.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Anne Williams--5 August 2004:
Cardboard was not widely used for adult puzzles until 1932, although there were a few made in the 1900-1920 period. I would venture that more than 99 percent of all puzzles made for adults in 1925 were made out of plywood or solid wood, not cardboard.
Anne Williams. puzzles@bates.edu
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[1254]from "KL"-1 May 2004:
I recently come across a Jig De Luxe "No A" issued monthly puzzle and I am trying to figure out what year it was made. The puzzle was distributed by S.M.New co, Inc. 229 Fourth Ave. New York City. It has a puzzle on each side. The cost of the puzzle was 50 cents. The box looks very old, doesn’t have a picture on it or tell the name of the puzzle. Thank you.
"KL"
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from Jim McW--7 May 2004:
As far as I know, the Jig De Luxe puzzles were issued only in the 1930's.
If you can send us a picture of the assembled puzzle, we will try to find the title for it.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1255]from "KAA"-2 May 2004:
I have a Tucks Zag zaw puzzle with 520 pices and it is a British hunting scene called " a find in the gorse ". Any information on this would be gratefully received. I can't find any information on the net.
Yours,
"KAA"
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from Jim McW--7 May 2004:
See Geert Bekkering's site (temporarily unavailable) of Raphael Tuck Jigsaw Puzzles. Also, see our Tuck's Zag Zaw Page.
We would love to post a picture of your puzzles and the box on the same page, if you care to share them with us. Note no. 1235, above.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1256]from "MZ"-2 May 2004:

" Sunshine and Shadows "

A neighbor of mine has an old print that we are trying to find some more information on. Twice you have shown the print, which has been reproduced on two different brands of puzzles. Can you tell us who the painter was? When it was painted?

On the back of the print is a distributor's name, Vilas Mages, Chicago, and the #2852 - 1871, so we think the print she has may be that old.

Thank you for your help,Sincerely,
"MZ"
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from Jim McW--9 May 2004:
"Sunshine and Shadows", BURT, 1930's, by Rudolph Weber.
Chris McCann, on page 53 of his Master Pieces: the Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles, features a jigsaw puzzle of this work. He says that Weber lived from 1858 to 1933, so I think it is highly unlikely that the print dates from 1871 (Weber would have been 13).
We know of at least one old wooden puzzle, based on the same work.
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1257]from "AS"-2 May 2004:

Can you give us any info on a Whitman Masterpiece picture puzzle #3964,
" Tumbling Mill Stream " ?
Thanks
"AS"
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from Jim McW--10 May 2004:
We would have estimated by the style that this series was made during the 1940's and 1950's, but Anne Williams, in her book, "Jigsaw Puzzles: A Brief History and Price Guide", says that it was primarily of the 1940's.
Does anyone know the artist?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Chris McCann--1 August 2004:
The artist for Tumbling Mill Stream is recorded as "Heyn".
Chris
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[1258]from "MH"--10 May 2004:

I am trying to track down a complete list of the Puzzles from the Past Buried Blueprints and wondered if you knew of such a list or where I could obtain such a list.

I also understand that these puzzles have been discontinued.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
"MH"
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from Jim McW--10 May 2004:
We have a page devoted to developing lists of puzzles in particular series. Why don't you send us the titles you know of, and we will start a list of titles of that series. Give us information such as dates of issue, if possible.
Anyone else have titles or information on this series?
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Jim McW--18 May 2004:
See the new list provided by "MH", on our BEPUZZLED page!
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1259]from "SB"--11 May 2004:
Hi!
I bought the Wild Horse puzzle (Namibi Africa) and some parts are missing.
I tried to find the company on the web but didn't succeed. All I know is they are in Holland. Can you help me by giving me their e-mail? It would be great!
"SB"
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from Jim McW--18 May 2004:
Geert Bekkering says "The Dutch company "BCF" Bornse Cartonage Fabriek, who produced the inexpensive White Horse puzzles in the 1970’s, stopped production in about 1990."
We assume that the same company produced " WILD HORSE " puzzles and that they are similar products.
See no. 1143, Page 74.
Thanks, Jim McW
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from Jim McW--18 May 2004:
Geert Bekkering has informed us that both brands are produced by the same company and, further, that the "...prancing white horse is in the coat of arms of Twente..." (a part of the Netherlands).
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1260]from "DR"--11 May 2004:
RE: no. 1160, Page 74
In response to your question .
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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