End of the Trail

Catalog Code: 
2- 20023
Description: 

One of the more frustrating aspects of running a puzzle lending library in the 1930's was insuring that the puzzle came back complete. Ideal Picture Puzzle Co. of Chattahoochee, GA developed a novel solution to this problem. The puzzle shown here was cut with 8 very long edge pieces (actually the painted portions of the plywood extending beyond the picture) and the rest of the puzzle cut to interlock tightly into the 8 pieces. The Company then designed a box with instructions for putting it together, to serve as a mailing envelop for the assembled puzzle. The long edge pieces and tight interlock throughout allowed the puzzle to be sent through the mails and arrive back at the Company all together. A missing piece would be obvious and the errant borrower fined accordingly!  The picture is credited to "after the sculpture by James Earle Fraser" which, in various versions, has been shown in and won prizes in major exhibitions here and in Europe, and is now on display in several museums in the west.  An important "tweak" by Fraser was to replace a battle shield with a medicine bag and adjust the horse's tail to reflect a breeze, denoting the transformation of proud, spiritual people into the next century rather than a vanishing race of savage warriors.  Another interpretation as the horse and warrior come to an abrupt halt before falling into a precipice is the end of the trail for not just this warrior but his people and the native American way of life in Western United States.

General Information
Date: 
1933c.
Width: 
17"
Height: 
13"
Material: 
plywood
Container: 
box
Pieces Information
Pieces: 
300
Pieces Replaced: 
1
Colorline: 
no
Figures: 
8
Interlock: 
yes
Styles: 
Topics: 
Sale Status: 
Not for Sale