[1482]from "RVH"--17 April 2005:
Hi,
I was wondering if you know the name of the artist who did "Midst Cool and Silence" that is list on your Website under this title:
LG 11 (McCann Code), 1938-39. Known titles:
"Midst Cool and Silence"
I recently acquired what appears to be a print of this original painting. It says number #2801 "Midst Cool and Silence" and has what appears to be a copyright B.D. 1934 listed on it. It does have the artist name in the left corner, but I cannot understand the letters. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You So Much,

"RVH"
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from Jim McW--17 April 2005:
It is possible that the B.D. stands for Beatrice Decker (listed as a lithographer in Tuco Puzzles:1932-1957, by Sterling Mason). We do not know the artist's name.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from "LBE"--28 June 2007:
The artist is: A. Arneyger

I have a print also - #4166
"LBE"
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from Jim McW--9 July 2007:
We're not sure whether the correct spelling is Arnegger or Arneyger. TUCO titles by this artist may include:
Beautiful Villa
Gorgeous Autumn
Lilac Time
Mediterranean Villa
Midst Cool and Silence
Picturesque Villa
Winter's Flaming Peaks
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1483]from "MBM"--16 April 2005:
Hello,
Today I purchased an original ( I am quite sure) Frank M. Hamilton. It is mixed media -watercolor and acrylic - on watercolor board. It's colors are foggy greys and blue. It is titled ( on his business card on the back of the painting- written in his own hand in all capitals ) "Homeward Bound" The Jetty at Newport Harbor, Calif I am sad to tell you that I purchased it at a garage sale in Laguna Niguel, California for a pittance. Frank Hamilton was a friend of the widow's husband from whom I purchased it.

I recognized Hamilton's work immediately because I have a copy of "Deep Winter" that I purchased at the Brandywine River Museum 35 years ago for much more. Here is an interesting fact about "Deep Winter". My uncle was a friend of Frank's when Frank lived in Jerome, Arizona. He also had a signed copy of "Deep Winter". My uncle Flipped the painting upside down and showed me, hidden in the grass, "FRANK LOVES SHIRLEY". My uncle told me that Frank hid this love note in every one of his paintings. That I cannot confirm - I am still looking for it in "Homeward Bound" .
" Homeward Bound "
artist's signature, " Homeward Bound ".
business card of Frank M. Hamilton, found in frame of " Homeward Bound ".
detail from " Deep Winter ".
"hidden message", detail from " Deep Winter ".
Thanks,

"MBM"
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from Jim McW--17 April 2005:
We have also added your information on our Frank M. Hamilton page.
Thanks for sharing with us all,
Jim McW
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[1484]from "TW"--23 April 2005:
I have found a Puzzle and I'm trying to find out what year it was made. I hope you can help me. The brand on the box is Guild but, under it's "29 cent price" it says Whitman. The series No is 117. The title is Champs Elysees. It has 304 pieces. It is machine cut and it has interlocking border.

I'm very new to collecting Puzzles but I'm really enjoying it.

I appreciate you time and efforts

"TW"
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from Jim McW--24 April 2005:
We believe this is probably from the 1950's or 1960's. Here's a puzzle which we believe to be from the same series:
" Arbor Avenue ", WHITMAN GUILD. See similar box designs on our Whitman Guild page.
Jim McW
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[1485]from "JA"--27 April 2005:
I found an old Colorform puzzle while moving a few weeks ago and had a lot of fun putting it together.........
I love the old scenes like many that you have on your site..........
does Colorform still make puzzles? or Anyone else like the old colorforms?
The one I just did was America the Beautiful.

"JA", Illinois
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from Jim McW--28 April 2005:
We believe Colorform is still in business, but I am not aware of their having made any jigsaw puzzles in quite a few years.
They made some of the earlier (and most sought after) Wysocki puzzles, and they made puzzles for the US Postal Service for a while. Most of their production seems to have been during the 1980's, although one puzzle has been reported from the late 1960's ("The Mad Hatter").
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1486]from "RD"--30 April 2005:
I have run across two puzzles that are quite old - both are boxed in what appear to be pre-1940's boxes.
One is labeled ART PICTURE PUZZLE - also on the box 225 pieces or more - All Masterpiece Reproductions - Interesting-Fascinating-Interlocking, and on the side is No. 13 - The Song Of The Lark

The second box has ADULT in the upper left hand corner then over 225 piece JIG PICTURE PUZZLE, also Heavy Weight Board, and Whitman Publishing Co No 3051 (I am unable to read the subject but the first word is - Where). Any info you can give me on these two puzzles would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
"RD"
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from Jim McW--4 May 2005:
We believe you're probably talking about a puzzle of this type:

"Song of the Lark" is by Breton. Here's two versions:
[print]
[puzzle]

Adult Jig Picture Puzzle - I think you may see a similar puzzle on our WHITMAN page. Possible titles include: "Where Contentment Dwells", "Where Peace and Quiet Reign", "Where Past and Present Meet", and "Where Welcome Awaits".
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1487]from "GB"--2 May 2005:
The Exhibition Puzzle of the British Empire
Hi,

I have a puzzle that I would like to find out a little bit more information on.

It is 6 inches by 6 inches and about 1/4 inch thick and consist of 37 pieces. It has 3 pictures on the lid, of which Queen Mary and King George are 2 of them, but I cannot recognise the 3rd.
There is BASSAND on Queen Mary and King George and VANDYK on the 3rd.

The box is titled The exhibition puzzle of the british empire, but I can not find out who made it or designed it. The puzzle itself has never been taken out of the box and is therefore in very good condition.

Many thanks
"GB"
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[1488]from "Q4"--4 May 2005:
I just finished a puzzle of a stone mill and would like to know the name of that mill. The puzzle I finished was titled "Stone Mill, 1968" from milton bradley/ big ben.
Any information would help.

Thanks,
"Q4"
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from Jim McW--4 May 2005:
Is this the one?:
" Stone Mill ", MILTON BRADLEY BIG BENTM, 1968.
Does anyone recognize this mill? If so, please identify it for us!
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from "Q4"--6 May 2005:
Hi Jim,

The mill is called Logfellows Wayside Inn Grist Mill in Sudbury, Massachusetts, USA..... thanks for the help!

Cheers,
"Q4"
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from Jim McW--4 May 2005:
Well, ok...
We did in fact find at least one website with pictures of that mill, which does appear to be similar to the one in the puzzle picture.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1489]from "PJ"--28 April 2005:
Please help me if you can....................

I have a box of three children's animal puzzles. They are "Some Domestic Cattle Are Derived From The Zebu", The Wild Boar Has Handsome Striped Young" and Dingos Chasing Kangaroos". The box is yellow and has black nursery rhyme characters on it. The pieces appear to be wooden, or very thick, and in the left hand corner is printed Walter A. Weber. There is no company name to be found anywhere. They appear to be very old.
I have been unable to find any info on this item and would appreciate any help you are able to provide.

Thank you,
"PJ"
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[1490]from "JP"--6 May 2005:
I am privileged to own a painting by Frank M. Hamilton. It is called "Other Times" and depicts one of the old abandoned houses in Jerome. I treasure it. A friend gave me a piece of the granite lintel from that house.
I purchased the painting many years ago from the Challis gallery in Laguna Beach. Sadly, the gallery no longer exists.

When he lived in Jerome he illustrated a cookbook of old Jerome recipes. I haven't been able to find my copy.

I also own two prints. One is a winter scene called "Late for Lunch" and the other is called "The Summer Months"....

I was very sorry to learn from the "Leaning Tree" information that he had died. He was a very talented man and I saw him often at art shows.
"JP"
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[1491]from "GM"--9 May 2005:
Could anyone please help me. I have recently just finished a fantastic jigsaw puzzle which took me a long while to do and I want to frame it as a picture. One big problem though there is one piece missing right in the centre of the jigsaw AAH AAAH !!!
The jigsaw is called The Parrot family and is of 6 parrots in a row. It is a copy of the picture painted by Alfred Gockel and was manufactured by Hausemann en Hotte nv in Holland.
The number of the jigsaw is 1764

If anyone could help me track down another of these jigsaws so I can buy it again for the piece missing I would be very grateful.
Many thanks
"GM"
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from "LL"--15 May 2006:
Hi there
I realize your question on this site is a year old, but I just came across it, and wanted to let you know that I recreate jigsaw puzzle pieces old puzzles and if you're still interested, I can probably repair your old puzzle. To see some of my work, please go to the Tuco Puzzle Website.
Sincerely,
"LL"
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[1492]from "RK"--6 May 2005:
Good morning!

I was hoping you might be able to help me identify, if not find, a puzzle that I have been looking for for quite some time. I bought it as a gift for a friend MANY years ago, and have recently decided that I really would like it for myself to put together and frame.

The puzzle is a picture of several Native Americans on horseback riding in the woods along the edge of a lake. The reflection in the lake is a pack of wolves. For some reason this image sticks with me more than any other puzzle images I have seen. Have you heard of it or can you help me find out the artist or who makes it? I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Many thanks,

"RK"
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[1493]from "ML"--13 May 2005:
Dear Puzzle history,

I have a new candidate for the world's largest commercially available jigsaw. [See our RECORD-BREAKING JIGSAW PUZZLES page]
It is made by art-puzzle.com, called " Victory and Death of the Consul [Decius Mus During the Battle] ", is 200 x 360 cm (79 x 142 inches), has 22,400 pieces and retails for the princely sum of EUR 4,560.00.

Please see the link below and click on Biggest jigsaw puzzles.

The only argument against including it is that they are custom made and as such not really commercially available. However, it is in a catalogue so I would argue it should be included.

http://www.art-puzzle.com/?lang=ENG

Regards,
"ML"

P.S. I am currently doing Educa's 18,000 piece Columba Altarpiece which I felt to be more interesting than the 4 old world maps or tropical impressions (these are really 4 separate puzzles anyway).

I started on 1 April 2004 and expect to finish by the end of 2005. It is fantastically detailed and high quality. You need a big room though !
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[1494]from "NV"--12 May 2005:
I have an original puzzle of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island illistrated by N.C. Wyeth from a product of International Polygonics, Ltd, New York City. The Under-ground jigsaw puzzle. Illustration copyright 1911 Charles Scribner's & Sons renewal copyright 1939 N.C. Wyeth.
Could you please assist me in finding the history and value of this puzzle. The 16" X 20" poster puzzle pieces are still sealed inside the box. The painting on the front of the box is, " The Hostage".

Respectfully,

"NV"
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from Jim McW--14 May 2005:
As near as we can determine, International Polygonics began producing puzzles some time in the late 1960's and continued at least until the late 1970's. Does anyone know more about this company?
As for the value, we don't offer appraisal services. See our FAQ page for a brief discussion of puzzle values.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1495]from "PC"--12 May 2005:
Hi there, i have in my possesion a welcom jigsaw book.
i know the company was based in london S.E.1, from the thirties, as i believe they made some disney puzzles.
What i have is (i believe) an early 40's ww2 puzzle book series 2&3
'The Glorious Attack at Taranto'and The capture of Sidi Barrani; it consists of picture and story,then leaves containing 200 pieces with puzzle board,the next picture and story with leaves, again 200 piece.
would you be able to date this and secondly give me some idea of value?
Thank you
"PC"
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from Jim McW--14 May 2005:
I think you're right about its being early 1940's. Sorry, but we do not offer appraisal services. See our FAQ page for some discussion of puzzle values.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1496]from "AZ"--14 May 2005:
I came across your website after finding a Tuco picture puzzle at a yard sale. So far I have not been able to find a reference to this particular puzzle on the web. Is it possible that not all Tuco puzzles made have been accounted for?

The subject title is "Woodland Reflections", featuring a cabin in the woods where a lake/pond displays its reflection. It is about 300 pieces, and its size is 14 3/4 inches X 19 inches.
Its stock no is: 4905.

Any information about this puzzle would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
"AZ"
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from Jim McW--14 May 2005:
Most of the TUCO puzzles have been listed - at least the non-interlocking ones (up to the late forties or early fifties). We did not have this one listed on our site, but we have seen it.:
" Woodland Reflections ", TUCO, late 1950's [?].
Sorry, but we do not offer appraisal services. See our FAQ page for some discussion of puzzle values.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1497]from "D15"--15 May 2005:
when i was a kid i had a puzzle at my grandparents house that i put together over and over. now i'm trying to find one like it. it was sort of a norman rockwell type picture of a little boy with his dog wanting to get into a baseball game. the boy had taken every thing out of his pockets and didn't have enough money. are you familiar or can you give me some names of artists that might have created something like that.
thanks
"D15"
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from Jim McW--14 May 2005:
Look at no. 717, Page 50; no. 1056, Page 69; and no. 1145, Page 74, for possible candidates for the one you're looking for. Is that the one?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1498]from "NJA"--26 April 2005:
Hi - I'm trying to find a date for a puzzle I recently came across. It's called A Warm Welcome.
Big Ben words side by side over the tower.
MB Milton Bradley in green and red box. 1000 pieces. No. 4962-C Size 28 x 20 1/2. The box is green with red letters, a red three lined frame around the picture and a red shadow on right side and bottom. Oblong picture slanted. It says at the bottom across the front: Milton Bradley Co., Springfield, Mass. Made in USA.
The artist's name I can't quite make out but it's something like: F. Sandi Brewer.
I did not find this puzzle on Richard Ballhagen's website nor anyplace else. Is this puzzle not listed or have I just missed its listing somewhere?
"NJA"

" A Warm Welcome " [Thanks to "NJA"]
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from Jim McW--19 May 2005:
Look at no. 1217, Page 50 for another edition of this same picture and a bit of information about the artist, F. Sands Brunner.
Sterling A. Mason, in his Tuco Puzzles 1932-1957, gives the artist's information as Frederick Sands Brunner, 1886-1954, Boyertown, PA, Philadelphia, PA., and credits him with the following titles:
" A Bedtime Story "
" All Balled Up "
" Fireside Friends "
" Happy Birthday "
Chris McCann, in his Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles, mentions him, also, and includes illustrations of puzzles based on " Happy Birthday " and another work entitled " Home Performance ".
You can see a version of " All Balled Up " on our Tuco 1940's, Page 3. Most of Brunner's work which we have seen, including these puzzles, appear to be from the 1940's or early 1950's by internal evidence such as fashions, etc.
There is no complete listing of Big Ben puzzles of which I know. Richard's site is still concentrating on types of Big Ben box types and chronologies, I believe. We are working on a list, but I wouldn't call it comprehensive, yet, and certainly far from complete.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1499]from The Puzzle House--17 May 2005:
For those who may be looking for a " Tower of Babel " puzzle:
You can get one at

http://www.puzzlehouse.com/towerofbabel250.htm
http://www.puzzlehouse.com/towerofbabel1000.htm

Hope this is helpful.

Happy Puzzling,
The Puzzle House
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