[1563]from "CT"--29 September 2005:
I recently purchased an old puzzle which has no publisher or other manufacturer information. It is a brown box with black print.
" RE-CRE-ATE " [box] [pieces]
The top of the lid states the following:

Educational and Amusing (over 250 Pieces) RE-CRE-ATE interlocking jigsaw type picture puzzle size 12x16

Three of the four sides of the top lid read: ..Picture Puzzle..
and the fourth side indicates "Subject:"

The puzzle pieces themselves are quite strange... with both interlocking pieces and others that are a mish-mosh of shapes with squiggles and very sharp pointed curves. At a glance, I may correctly guess that no two pieces are the same. Is that normal? Can you give me any identifiying information. I would be grateful,
Regards,
"CT"
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from Jim McW--5 October 2005:

Anne Williams, a preeminent authority on jigsaw puzzles, dates this series to the 1930's.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1564]from "JH"--30 September 2005:
Hi,
Maybe you know all about this puzzle. You have it listed as Childhood Memories, Toyland. I have the actual puzzle in hand and on the box it is called "Friendly Critters" with Toyland over to the right under 551. When I wrote to the Wysocki store, they said C. Wysocki had painted Chilhood Memories, Toyland, but had never painted Friendly Critters. It is being advertised under both names. How has this happened to occur? Thanks so much for your time. "JH"
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from Jim McW--2 October 2005:

The puzzle is listed on our Wysocki Puzzles page and illustrated on our COLORFORMS Wysocki Puzzles page:
"Childhood Memories, Toyland", ©1983 AMCAL.
If this is the puzzle to which you refer, it was released in 1983. It is not at all unusual for the same picture to be used on different puzzles or with different titles.
Can you send us a scan or photocopy of the title as it occurs on the box?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from "JH"--7 October 2005:

Hi, I wrote you regarding the 1983 puzzle " Friendly Critters, Toyland ". There seems to be a brand new printing of that puzzle now under the name of " Childhood Memories, Toyland ". Same picture -- new 1000 by MB, old puzzle by Colorforms. Thanks for your interest in my question.
JH
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from Jim McW--20 October 2005:

We have received updated information for our Wysocki Puzzles page, which confirms the re-issue this year of this picture as a new jigsaw puzzle by HASBROTM
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1565]from "EB"--30 September 2005:
RE: No. 1483, Page 93
I too have a print of Deep Winter. It is quite old.... Have found "Frank loves Shirley" upside down, but I have also found other words. Has anyone else noticed this? I am also looking for info on how to date my print.
Any help would beappreciated.
"EB"
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from Jim McW--2 October 2005:

We know very little about prints or how to date them. Has anyone found other hidden words in Frank M. Hamilton prints?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1566]from "G1"--30 September 2005:
RE: Wood Animal Puzzle
Hi,
I found this puzzle unidentified wooden puzzle and I am unable to identify the title, maker, subject. All the pieces are accounted for. It appears to be in excellent condition. I'm not sure if it is a common or rare puzzle. The puzzle is made of wood. The frame is 1 1/2 inches thick and the puzzle pieces are 1 inch thick.
I'd appreciate any information you can give me about this puzzle.
Thank you,
"G1"
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[1567]from "AS"--1 October 2005:
I'm tempted to buy the 18,000 St. Columba Altarpiece puzzle (it looks terrific), but I have a question -- where do I work on it? A ping-pong table is too small. Is there some type of flat surface that you recommend for really big jigsaws?
"AS"
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from Jim McW--2 October 2005:

We rarely attempt puzzles with more than 1500 pieces ourselves, but we have the utmost respect for those who do!
One needs a relatively large area in which to assemble the puzzle (although one may work on manageable sections of the puzzle on a puzzle caddy or a piece of artboard [our preference], then transfer each completed section to the main puzzle). Don't attempt to work in an uncomfortable position for weeks on end.
Plan for the incomplete puzzle to occupy the large area for an extended period. Plan also for what you intend to do with the puzzle upon completetion.
We heard of one person who moved the dining room table and assembled a 12,000 piece puzzle on the dining room floor, then, after weeks (or months?), completed it, and realized that there was no way to move or display it. The person's solution: lay down clear vinyl floor covering over the puzzle, incorporating it permanently into the decor of the dining room.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1568]from "JP"--1 October 2005:
Dear Sirs, I am looking for a Walt Disney puzzle. It contains a scene from the movie; 101 Dalmations. It is a picture of the dog Pongo who is setting the hands on the clock ahead so he can go for a walk. Can you help?
Thanks
"JP"
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from Jim McW--2 October 2005:

Has anyone heard of this puzzle? If so, please identify it for us.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1569]from "AVTC"--2 October 2005:
Hello,
Your web-site is amazing! I've spent a few hours grazing the pages.
...a Puzzle...[from] we think sometime in the 1930s. It has three puzzles inside, all in color and made of cardboard. Each puzzle has 15 pieces. The Box top... shows it is a Parker Brothers Popular series but I've yet to find others in this series. Inside the top, are three illustrations matching the puzzles. There is not any Artist listed.
Any information is greatly appreciated!

Also, do you know of any good web-sites for locating vintage board games. We have one from 1938, designed by Bil Baird who is known for his Marionettes, but nothing comes up regarding board games.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
"AVTC"
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from Jim McW--4 October 2005:

Send us some pictures, and someone may be able to identify these puzzles.
As for vintage board games, see the Online Store section of our LINKS page. Some of the stores there sell vintage games. Also, check the AGPC site.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from "AVTC"--4 October 2005:
Here's the pictures:
" Popular Picture Puzzle ", PARKER. [box]
" Popular Picture Puzzle ", PARKER. [guides inside box]
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[1570]from "JA"--27 August 2005:
Little Black Sambo Wood Puzzle
I also have one of these puzzles. It was my favorite story as a child (I know which book I had, but no longer have it). I would like information on it's origin, age, etc., and I wouldn't mind finding a good home for it. My grandchildren are now past the age of playing with the larger sized pieces of puzzles, so ... I just don't want it to be wasted. To me it is a treasure. Any suggestions?
"JA"
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from Jim McW--12 October 2005:

Sorry, this question got "lost in the shuffle". Apparently, you're referring to Q&A No. 193, Page 14; No. 209, Page 15; and No. 1154, Page 74.
You can try selling it in an internet auction, or you can donate it to a hospital or similar organization.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1571]from "GY"--16 September 2005:
I do not know if you can help me find Information...for a puzzle I have. It is of President Lincoln, Mrs. Todd Lincoln and someone else I cannot name. It is titled " DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN EMANCIPATION DAY ". The President is sitting on a chair, his wife is behind him, with her right hand on his right shoulder and her left hand, held by his left hand, on his left shoulder. They are in a sitting room, there is a small table laid out for coffee or tea, there is a fire burning in the fireplace, and the person I cannot identify is in the doorway. This is a wood jigsaw puzzle. It is number 2723, made by " C.CO. N.Y. " The wood is ¼ inch thick.
Please let me know what information you may find. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
"GY"
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from Jim McW--12 October 2005:

Sorry, this question also got "lost in the shuffle". Will anyone who knows anything about this puzzle series please notify us?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Anne Williams--13 July 2006:

No. 2723 and C. Co. NY refer to the lithographer that printed the picture, not to the puzzle cutter. C. Co. might refer to Chapman Company. Many different puzzle manufacturers used the prints from this company.
from Anne Williams, puzzles@bates.edu
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from "Ro"--17 February 2008:
FYI...In response to the question regarding Darkness Before Dawn Emancipation Day - the company is R.C. Co., N.Y. I have a picture that is identical to the puzzle that was described and I am looking for information on it as well. My picture has a signature in the lower left hand corner but I cannot make out the name. I suspect the puzzle will have the same markings. You have to look very closely to see the name - My picture is old and attached to a cardboard backsheet.

"Ro", New York
(Here's a picture of the print, but I couldn't get a good closeup of the signature. It looks like either Henry or Mary is the first name. The last name looks to be possibly "Miskis" but I can't be sure. If you obtain any info on this I would appreciate it. Thank you.
" Darkness Before Dawn Emancipation Day
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from Jim McW-- 18 February 2008:
[See no. 1940.]
This is a fascinating scene, presumably set in 1862-1863. I am particularly drawn to the map on the wall, which seems to show the division between the states, as well as the uncertainty as to which way some of them would go in the conflict.

Can anyone shed any light on the painting, the artist, or any details in this work?
Thanks, Jim McW
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[1572]from "CB"--10 September 2005:
Hello. I recently purchased some frame tray puzzles manufactured by Whitman. I absolutely cannot find any information on one in particular and would be ever appreciative of any help anyone can offer. It’s title box in the top right hand corner says "Frame-tray inlay; Clarabell Picture Puzzle; No. 2628:29; Made in U.S.A.; Whitman Publishing Co.; © MCMLIV by Kagran Corporation". In the top left hand corner is the solid black oval with "Whitman" written in white. I have seen other Clarabell pictures, but not this one. This picture is of Clarabell, (sorry I don’t know the other character’s names) a female crow(?) wearing a red and white checked jacket and has a flowerpot on her head, and an elephant sitting on its hind legs/rump. Clarabell is holding a hand mirror and there is a bucket of what appears to be shaving cream in a cup on the floor in front. The crow is cutting Clarabell’s hair by sitting on the elephant’s trunk. I’d send a picture, but do not have the ability to right now.

I would like to find out the name of the puzzle, the years it was produced, number produced, ...and any other information I can find. I’m really stumped on this and it is driving me nuts!
Thank you for all your help. It is greatly appreciated.
"CB"
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from Jim McW--12 October 2005:

This puzzle, inspired by the " HOWDY DOODY SHOW ", was copyrighted in 1954, probably issued about the same time. We do not know the "title". In fact, it may not have had one, as such. Can anyone tell us more about this puzzle or series?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1573]from "KW"--10 October 2005:
Here's another for the collection! This was inherited and after researching the internet, I thought I would post this Frank M. Hamilton painting. Interestingly enough, it is signed and titled "Autumn Days" but it appears very different then the other pictures that have the same title?
" Autumn Days ", by Frank M. Hamilton.
" Autumn Days ", by Frank M. Hamilton.
"KW"
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[1574]from "IP"--12 October 2005:
I've been using your site quite a bit lately and have found it to be more than useful. However I have just come across a puzzle which totally stumps me.

It is made by The Zigzag puzzle company. It is obviously quite an early puzzle (about [1920] I would guess. Is is unusual at least in my experience, because it is on vertical strips (pics attached) which you only realise once assembled. I have never come across one with this feature before nor can i find ANY reference to the company on the Internet.

If you could shed any light on this (either the company, the puzzle itself or the vertical cut style) I would be very grateful.

Kind regards

"IP"

Zig-Zag puzzle, showing the strip cut.
Zig-Zag box [includes address: 8 Norris Street, London S.W.]
Zig-Zag puzzle, title not known.

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from Jim McW--19 October 2005:

I will just note that Tom Tyler, in his great book, British Jigsaw Puzzle of the 20th Century, cites the Zig-Zag Puzzle Co., Carlton Street, London, 1910's-1920's, wooden. This appears to be at variance with the information on the box, or this is a different company.
We are also assuming that this is a wooden puzzle and that you do not know the title of the puzzle, since you have not included this information. At this time in the history of puzzles, this style of cutting (the strip cut) was not uncommon.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Jim McW--26 December 2005:

We have indications of Zig-Zag puzzles with the following addresses:
8 St Martin's Leicester Square, WC
8 Norris Street, Haymarket. SW
8 Norris Street
32 Orange Street W.C.2
8 Newman Street, Haymarket SW
Carlton Street, London

Anne Williams, in her bookJigsaw Puzzles: An Illustrated History and Price Guide, cites and illustrates a puzzle, " Napoleon on Board the Bellerophon ", by Zig-Zag, circa 1909, London, England. She also notes a Zig-Zag Manufacturing Co. in Irvington, N.J., in the 1930's; Zig-Zag Prize Puzzle, 1930's; Zig-Zag Puzzle Co., Chicago and Evanston, Ill, 1930's-1940's, and provides an illustration of " Farm Friends ", from 1933; and probably others.

Tom Tyler, in his book, British Jigsaw Puzzles, mentions Richard Art Co., Ltd, 40 Aldersgate, London, EC1, as producing Zig-Zag puzzles in the 1930's.

We have received a picture:
the box for a Zig-Zag Serial Picture Puzzle from the 1930's
Here's a picture of a great Zig-Zag box:
Zig-Zag puzzle
SEE ALSO No. 1082, Page 71.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Jim McW--31 December 2005:

Here's another picture of a different style Zig-Zag box:
The Zig-Zag puzzle
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1575]from "RE"--21 October 2005:
Hi, have a question for you about a puzzle that I hope you can help me with. I have something that when I purchased it was told it was used to make a puzzle. It's a glass plate by kodak with a matching negative. I collect Peter Pan from disney and I was told there was four puzzles made by JAYMAR puzzle company. The glass plate I have is supposed to be for the making of a puzzle called Playtime in the Nursery. I'm trying to locate this puzzle plus find out something about this piece. It came in a Kodak yellow box dated 5/52 Peter Pan. Inside is a glass seperation plate with negative. The images on the glass appear to be burned into the glass. It's a solid one piece then it has sections that are painted and says Walt Disney Peter Pan on the glass and negative. The glass image and negative are the same but the negative has more detail on it like windows, pixie dust from tink, and eyes, etc. There's also, written in, ink-like notes on the very bottom indicating black and red colors and tints to be used. If there is anything you can tell me about this piece or what it might have been used for I would really apreciate anything you can tell me.
Thanks,
"RE"
container, Peter Pan plate

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from Jim McW--2 November 2005:

We know very little about professional animation techniques. Can anyone explain these items and their uses?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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from Jim McW-- 30 March 2008:

From time to time, we run across an answer to an old question. In this case, we ran across this old question, and decided to do a little more research. We found two old JAYMAR puzzles pertaining to PETER PAN, neither having to do with a puzzle named "Playtime in the Nursery". One seems to have been part of a PETER PAN series for which we have not pictures, and the other was a number in a series entitled MOVIE CLASSICS.:
Peter Pan vs Captain Hook, title not known.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1576]from "AF"--23 October 2005:
I have an old puzzle that I would love to get another copy of. It is probably from the late 60's or early 70's. I don't have the original box, so I don't have any of the particulars. But, it is about 100 pieces and has nine colorful boxes depicting children all over the world. Do you have any info on this? I would love to get one for my sister.
Thanks,
"AF"
children of the world, title and maker not known

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[1577]from "TH24"--24 October 2005:
looking for or info on a 1940s puzzle.:
a cowboy in a red shirt was pinned under his fallen horse, pointing his revolver at a towering grizzly bear. I recall the title was "the last bullet".
thanks,
"TH"
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[1578]from "TH25"--25 October 2005:
I have a puzzle I just got from an auction yesterday. The front says "Drury Lane Jig Saw Puzzles" and below that it reads "1000 interlocking pieces two - two pictures". It is made by the milton bradley company and the # of the puzzle I believe is 4791. The two pictures are " Quiet Afternoon " and " Jewel of the Rockies ". Do you have any more information about this puzzle or what the approx. date might be? I would appreciate any help! Thanks a ton!
"TH25"
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[1579]from "EC"--25 October 2005:
Good afternoon, I have been researching a puzzle by Guild. I was lead to your website and perhaps you might be able to shed a little light on the subject.
"The Bee Tree" puzzle, it is #2900 made in u.s.a. bu whitman publishing. The actual cost of the puzzle when purchased was only 0.29 . I cannot find any information on this puzzle . I would like to know when it was made. It has over 300 pieces, still in original box and has very unique pieces. (such as a heart, airplane, cross, etc. Any help you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
"EC"
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[1580]from "KL"--26 October 2005:
I am trying to find a puzzle. It is a winter scene of the covered bridge at Stark, New Hampshire. Also on the puzzle is the little schoolhouse. The scene is many shades of blue. Thank you
"KL"
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from Jim McW--2 November 2005:

This is the only one of which I can think:
" Covered Bridge at Stark, New Hampshire ", TUCO ALADDIN SERIES, approximately mid-50's to mid-60's.
Is that it?
Thanks,
Jim McW
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[1581]from "GHSNA"--31 October 2005:
Hi
I just came across a puzzle by Viking Manufacturing of Boston, Ma.
It's called: Series A-4 "Lions at Sunset". It's a Weekly Picture Puzzle. Original price .25 cents. The box is white and dark blue. Do you have any further information? Were these common puzzles? Between what years were they made?
Thank you.
"GHSNA"
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from Jim McW--2 November 2005:

This is the the brand I have called PICTURE PUZZLE WEEKLY, I believe. On that page you will see that they were fairly popular in the 1930's.
Thanks,
Jim McW
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