[1500]from "JM"--23 May 2005:
Hi,

When I was a child around 1942 I had a jigsaw puzzle of transportation images that once you put the picture together you closed a lid over it and turned over and a different picture was on the other side. Like an airplane on one side might have a train on the other. I became an artist, a painter and I have always thought that this puzzle had something to do with it because of the hidden image behind the one I assembled initially. I have never seen a puzzle like it since. Do you know where I might find it?
"JM"
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from Jim McW--24 May 2005:
We have seen a set of four puzzles from 1943 called " Know Your Planes ", which have maps on the other sides. I don't think this is likely to be the same puzzles of which you speak.
Double-sided puzzles are not as common as single-sided puzzles, but they have been published occasionally.
Does anyone recognize these puzzles from the enquirer's description?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1501]from "G24"--24 May 2005:
I have this wooden puzzle titled 404 First Born in the Settlement by Paul Wickson
Has about 400 pieces with 32 figurals and other fancy cut pieces. The figurals include an arrow, cat, letter S , head of a woman, maple leaf, bell, top hat, moon, and a duck.
Any idea of when it was made or by what co.? Fragment of cardboard came with it, with ( r brothers) on it.
"G24"

" First Born in the Settlement ", by Paul Wickson. [Thanks to "G24"]
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from Jim McW--24 May 2005:
It could be a Parker Brothers puzzle, possibly a Pastime. I suspect it is from the early 20th century.
Chris McCann, in his Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles, mentions the artist Paul G. Wickson, and illustrates one puzzle based on his work (not the one you have).
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from "PC"--8 January 2006:
Paul Giovanni Wickson was a Canadian, born July 28, 1859 in Toronto, Ontario to the Rev. Arthur Wickson and Mary Ann Thomas.

Arthur Wickson was the son of James and Jane Wickson of Toronto and became the first registrar of University College, Toronto. Mary Ann was the daughter of William Thomas, an architectural giant of the nineteenth century, who built churches and buildings of commerce from Halifax to Upper Canada.

Due to Arthur's poor health, the family moved to England in 1871 and Paul, who had already shown his talent, was enrolled in the South Kensington School of Art. He graduated in 1878 with the Queen's silver "National Medal for Success in Art".

In 1885, Paul returned to Canada to marry Elizabeth Hamilton who he had met in England. Her father was Norman Hamilton of Paris, Ontario and her family home, "Hamilton Place" on the banks of the Grand River, was to be his residence for the rest of his life. The house, designed in the Georgian style, and described in "Ancestral Roof" by Marion MacRae and Anthony Adamson, is an excellent example of the local cobblestone buildings. The roof-top belvedere became Paul Wickson's studio.

After struggling to find his direction, he turned to painting the essential Canada - the agriculture of the day, which was dominated by the horse. He began by painting race horses and visited farms throughout the area in this pursuit.

Inspired by the challenge of Sir William Van Horne, who had said that he would like to see a Canadian paint a Canadian historical picture, Paul produced "The March of Civilization" - a quietly powerful view of a plains Indian wrapped in his blanket regarding a sturdy settler holding his powerful team of horses beside a one-furrow plow. In the distance, on the flat prairie land, is the Indian's horse and travois.

This work gained him notice in Canadian government circles, was purchased by the Canadian commissioner for the Canadian building at the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, and other masterpieces in the series followed for the 1906 St. Louis Exhibition.

"March of Civilization" was used (in a reverse view) on the Northern Bank of Winnipeg's $5 bill issued Nov. 1, 1905.

His prosperous career included many works for the Osborne Calendar Company of Newark, N.J., book illustrations and a number of other pieces relevant to the Boer and First World Wars.

He died suddenly on September 2, 1922 while working in his beloved gardens and is buried in the Hamilton family plot in Paris, Ontario.
"PC"
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[1502]from "KF"--28 May 2005:
Hello, I recently acquired a puzzle in a wooden box with a slide top. On the side is a paper label that reads Traydac Jig Saw Puzzles 55___ th Ave. New York. I have not been able to find any history of the company. Could you please give any information on the company and age. The puzzle is of a hunt scene and in left corner is marked G H 1033 and the right is signed C. O. Rowlands.
Thanks for any help you can be, "KF"
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from Jim McW--29 May 2005:

Anne Williams lists Traydac in her important work, Jigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide, and she says in another of her publications that it was a division of Baker & Taylor. An internet search yielded the following: that the artist George Derville Rowlandson was born in India, 1861, and died in London, 1922. His work seems to tend toward "the hunt" and includes these titles: "a-Hunting We Will Go", "Business-Like Trio", "Hot Scent", "Halted", "My Lady Leads", "Poker", "The Start of the Hunt", and "Deeds That Thrill the Empire".
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1503]from "SM"--29 May 2005:
Hello,
Just reading about the Trumps General Store puzzle. I am looking for one I noticed someone mentioned, a calendar available, similar to Trumps. Any idea where I could purchase one from, please?
Regards, "SM"
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from Jim McW--29 May 2005:

You can read a nice, little discussion of the subject in no. 827, Page 57.
It does mention a book and a calendar based on works such as "Trump's General Store".

As a matter of fact, we have a couple of copies of a 1998 children's book, entitled Look-Alikes, by Joan Steiner, published by LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANYTM. The sub-titles are "Discover a Land Where Things Are Not As They Appear..." and "Find more than 1,000 hidden everyday objects!". Scenes included are the Train, the Train Station, the City, [Trump's] General Store, the Park and Zoo, the Amusement Park, the Hotel, the Neighborhood [Juanita's Bodega], [Stanley's] Sweet Shop, the Circus, and the Harbor.
A brief statement about the artist says, "Joan Steiner is a graduate of Barnard College and a self-taught artist. Her unique three-dimensional crations have appeared in the New York Times, Games Magazine, Nickelodeon, and Sesame Street Magazine."
See also no. 1391, Page 87, which says that CEACOTM has issued a new puzzle series this year based on Steiner's artwork.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1504]from "JB"--30 May 2005:
I am looking for a couple of oldies from the 1940s or even older, that I had as a child. One is named "Tally-Ho Coach". I have one but only about 1/5 of the pieces are there!! Most frustrating! The Tally-Ho Coach puzzle Iam looking for is a winter scene (not fox-hunting) of a coach drawn by 4 horses, made in 1942 by J.S. Publishing Co., NYC. It featured several pieces shaped like war symbols: helmet, battleship, gun, airplane, etc.
Another I am looking for is called "Tow Path" or Old Tow Path". It was in a funny-shaped box that opened at the ends, very poor design, lost most of the pieces. If you can point me in the right direction to search for these, it would be very much appreciated.
"JB"
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from Jim McW--31 May 2005:

I think one of the titles you are looking for is "Along the Tow Path". We have a record of an old Tuco puzzle of that title, published shortly before WW2. There is also a later Tuco:
" The Old Tow Path ", [late 1940's to 1950's]
I suspect that the puzzle you remember is not a Tuco, from your description of the box.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1505]from "YJ"--31 May 2005:
Hi,
I'm looking for an Al Hirschfeld - Caricatures of Famous Actors Series 1 --Jigsaw Puzzle (500 pieces). Copyright 1982 JAX Ltd. Minneapolis MN. Any idea where I might find it?
Thanks,
"JB"
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from Jim McW--31 May 2005:

Has anyone heard of this puzzle or this company?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Anne Williams--30 October 2005:

Jax Ltd. Inc. is a game manufacturer that is still in business. Web site is www.jaxgames.com They made jigsaw puzzles for only a couple of years in the early 1980s. There were two different Hirschfeld puzzles. They turn up on internet auctions occasionally and sell for well over $50. Anne Williams (puzzles@bates.edu)
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[1506]from "EM"--31 May 2005:
I'm trying to find a puzzle that is a picture of a single buffalo, or possibly 2 or 3 (but no more) ... can you help??
THANX,
"EM"
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from Jim McW--31 May 2005:

The only one I can think of was an advertising puzzle issued long ago by the SINGER SEWING COMPANYTM :
" Singer Buffalo Puzzle " [early 20th century?]
Does anyone know of any other puzzle which fits this description?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1507]from "LE"--1 June 2005:
Hello!
..."Enchanted Valley", which you have listed under Tuco Titles LG 11 (McCann Code), 1938-39. Do you know the artist, or have any other information on it? (... checked "Master Pieces: The art history of jigsaw puzzles"... ...did not find it there, but was impressed with the book!)
Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
"LE"
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from Jim McW--1 June 2005:

Here is a picture of the Tuco puzzle:
" Enchanted Valley "

Here's another, this one a Perfect Picture:
" Enchanted Valley "
Can anyone identify the artist?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1509]from "D+U"--4 June 2005:
Hello
I found a puzzle recently, the box top is in great shape, the box bottom not, but it has been repaired by use of a second box top (Jaymar), is in great shape -- this appears to be from their "Fighters For Freedom" series.
" P-61 Northrop "Black Widow" Night Fighter " Were these made during WW2 ? Is this a collectable item also??
Thanks
"D+U"
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from Jim McW--6 June 2005:

The puzzle is a Hobby Jig Saw, by Jaymar [1940's]. "Fighters for Freedom" was a Whitman series, "Fighters for Victory" was a Jaymar series [both series of the 1940's], but the Hobby series had some military themes, too. They are definitely from the 1940's, and I think it likely that your puzzle dates from World War 2 or shortly after. Such military-themed puzzles are very collectible, but the condition and completeness are also important.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1510]from "CN"--7 June 2005:
Hello,
Sometime ago while working in Detroit I saw a very unique poster. It was the layout of the city showing street names and points of interest. Like the Eastern Market, Tiger stadium, etc., etc. I heard that there was a jig saw puzzle made of that same poster. Do you know where I can buy it or order it. If not are there any other puzzles on Detroit? My mom is 85 years old and doing puzzles is her way of relaxing. She would love this puzzle as she lives in California now but will always hold fond memories of Detroit.
Thanks,
"CN"
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from Jim McW--8 June 2005:

The only one I've ever seen was a puzzle made by BUFFALO GAMES, INC.TM.
" Detroit "
It had 504 pieces and was issued in 1988, I believe. You may be able to find one of these on internet auction sites, once in a while.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1511]from "CW"--7 June 2005:
Hi there,

I have just picked up a puzzle of the Beatles - The albums 1962-1970, and I have been trying to find out any kind of information on it and I can’t find it anywhere. There are all kinds of other puzzles. Can you help me with any information. The company is Ravensburger.

Thank You
"CW"
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from Jim McW--8 June 2005:

We are not sure which puzzle or series you are referring to. We may not have seen it, in fact. We are aware of several BEATLES puzzles or series having been published by various companies, including:

JAYMARTM
PHILMARTM
SPRINGBOKTM
WHITMANTM
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Jim McW--12 June 2005:

The enquirer, "CW" has been kind enough to send us a photo of the puzzle mentioned:
" The Beatles: The Albums, 1962-1970 ", RAVENSBURGERTM
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1512]from "JC"--14 June 2005:
Suggestions for C Major 9 [See no. 1418, Page 88]
If you sort out the pieces by shape and then group them by the colors it makes it a lot easier. Also if you start with the inner circle piece and work your way outward it will save you a lot of guessing with the smaller pieces. More of the larger odd shaped pieces are going to fit around the center pieces of the puzzle. Good luck I enjoy doing them. Such relief when you're all done, I'm down to about 3 weeks per puzzle.
"JC"
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from Jim McW--15 June 2005:

At the end of each Q&A entry, there is a note: "Respond to this inquiry (note inquiry number)..."
This is an important note, since, if the Q&A number is not included, we have no idea to which inquiry the e-mail refers. We were able to find the right inquiry by doing a search of our site, but it saves us time if everyone can just include that inquiry number. It also is usually a very good idea to include the subject and/or the inquiry number in the subject line of your e-mail to us.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1513]from "GP"--11 June 2005:
"Strauss Waltz", by August Albo.
It appears I have a print of this painting, which is faded, but still beautiful. It has a beautiful gold frame and I bought it for $10.00 at a flea market! I just love it and wish I were dancing right in the middle of it. I was not aware that there was a puzzle. Enjoy!
"Strauss Waltz"
detail, "Strauss Waltz".
"GP"
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from Jim McW--15 June 2005:

This refers to a puzzle depicted on our SAALFIELD page and on one or two others. Here's the puzzle:
"Strauss Waltz"
a CHALLENGE puzzle, made by Saalfield.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1514]from "VP"--17 June 2005:
I have a wooden jigsaw puzzle from a company called EAD Picture Puzzle. Have you heard of this company?
"VP"
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from Jim McW--18 June 2005:

No, but Anne Williams lists this puzzle maker as from the 1930's, in her Index of Pre-1971 U.S. Jigsaw Puzzle Manufacturers. She also notes that the company's location is not known.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1515]from "BB"--21 June 2005:
additional information, SPORTS PAGE.

300-piece "CANS"
#1811 Greg Landry of Detroit Scrambles Against the Blitzing Minnesota Line, Led by Winston.(1972) Size approximately: 11 1/2" x 17 1/2"

For #1473 [500-piece boxes]
P. Esposito (Black Jersey) Hockey:
The jersey is white, not black.
Puzzle size is 16" x 20" (1971)
"BB"
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from Jim McW--18 June 2005:

I wonder if it's possible that no. 1473 exists in two different varieties (black jersey and white jersey), perhaps issued in different years.
Thanks for the additional info!
Jim McW
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