In October of 1997 I organized an exhibit of over 100 wooden jigsaw puzzle the Worcester Public Library in Worcester, Massachusetts. The show was quite a success.
Exhibition held at the
Worcester Public Library
Salem Square, Worcester, Massachusetts
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About the Exhibition
The Worcester Public Library is hosting an exhibition titled "The World of Wood Puzzles: Beauty and Challenge" at its main location, Salem Square, in downtown Worcester, MA from October 1 - 31, 1997. The exhibition was organized by Bob Armstrong of Worcester, MA and features over 100 wood jigsaw puzzles handcut in America beginning with the mid-19th century, including puzzles made by Worcester area cutters, children's puzzles and examples by current makers. Wood puzzles are individually cut in highly intricate ways, reflecting the art and craft of the maker in the choice of picture and technique of cutting.
| The exhibition is based primarily on restored puzzles from Mr. Armstrong's personal collection, including one of the earliest known American puzzles, a map of California, Mexico and Texas showing the newly discovered gold fields, cut about 1850 by Kelly & Levin in Boston, MA. An entire wall panel on the 2nd floor of the library is devoted to larger examples of Pastime brand puzzles made by Parker Brothers of Salem, MA from 1908 to 1958. The exhibit also focuses on the two great eras in American jigsaw puzzle history: the period around 1909 when puzzles for adults first became popular, and the 1930's during the Great Depression when puzzles became an important form of inexpensive entertainment. Each puzzle contains an identification label listing the name of the puzzle, era, name and address of the maker (where known), number of pieces, cutting techniques employed and significance. Much of this information was compiled with the assistance of Anne D. Williams, Bates College, Lewiston, ME and her book, Jigsaw Puzzles, An Illustrated History and Price Guide. Radnor, PA: Wallace-Homestead Book Co. 1990. Also included in the exhibit is a puzzle illustrating Mr. Armstrong's restoration techniques. |  |
| Hopefully, by viewing this exhibition you will come to appreciate the beauty and challenge of wood puzzles which are individually cut in highly intricate patterns, reflecting the art and craft of the maker in the choice of picture and technique of cutting. If you would like more information about puzzles or a catalogue of the Exhibition, including a history of jigsaw puzzles, contact Bob Armstrong at raahna@oldpuzzles.com. |  |
About Bob Armstrong
Currently retired, Bob Armstrong was formerly Vice President and Associate General Counsel of the Paul Revere Companies for 27 years. His interest in puzzles began as a boy assembling wood puzzles with his family (several are on display). He and his wife, Hildegard, purchased a few handcut puzzles in the 1970-80s and began serious collecting of old puzzles in 1990. Since many of the puzzles arrive in damaged condition, that is, with missing pieces, broken knobs, and ruined wood/surface paper, he began to make repairs as well. Today, Bob is one of only a handful of jigsaw puzzle restorers in the world and has built a substantial collection as well as business of selling restored puzzles. He and his wife reside in Worcester, MA.
Exhibit Puzzle Descriptions
Included below are the labels of the cases and the puzzles, as they appear in the exhibition, divided into the following categories:
- 19th Century Puzzles
- Circa 1909 Puzzles
- 1930s Puzzles
- Worcester Area Makers
- Pastime Puzzles 1908-58
- 20th Century Childrens Puzzles
- Current Makers of Jigsaw Puzzles
19th Century Puzzles (Case #1)
The first puzzles were cut out of maps by European map-makers around 1760 as learning tools for children. Although expanded to include such themes as books of the Bible, Monarchs of England, childrens stories and nursery rhymes, they continued to be directed at children throughout the 19th century. In the United States, the first puzzles were cut in the 1830s (one of the earliest is on display in this case.) With improvements in color lithography in the latter part of the 19th century, puzzle pictures became more colorful and contemporary, celebrating the achievements of our country, while retaining the smaller number of large sized pieces more appropriate for children.
Wild West 1890
McLoughlin Brothers, New York, NY
50 pc. Pressboard. Interlocking edge. Note colorful graphics and
stereotyping of Native Americans as the "bad guys."
Map of California, Mexico, Texas and the United States
circa 1850
Kelly & Levin, Boston, MA
49 pc. Solid wood. Cut along color lines between states. Note
hand coloring and 1849 gold fields in CA. One of the earliest
puzzles cut in America.
Temple of Knowledge/Map of Palestine 1891
Mrs. Alice Chamberlain
78 pc. Solid wood. Double sided. Puzzles with pictures on both
sides were common in the 19th century. Cut along color lines
between stones of Temple representing books of the Bible.
City of Worcester 1889
McLoughlin Brothers, New York, NY
88 pc. Pressboard. Interlocking edge.
Puzzle (under restoration) is twice size of picture on box.
Paddle steamer shown actually existed.
Up the Heights of San Juan 1898
McLoughlin Brothers, New York, NY
84 pc. Pressboard. Interlocking edge.
Colorful graphics make McLoughlin puzzles and boxes highly
collectible today.
Circa 1909 Puzzles (Cases #2, 3)
The earliest puzzles for adults (above 75 pieces) were cut at the turn of the century, with the first serious puzzle "fad" occurring around 1908-09. Women already skilled in the use of sewing machines readily adapted to the treadle scroll saw and dominated the cutting of jigsaw puzzles during this period. Puzzles from this era are noted for their strict cutting along color lines, non-interlocking style, and in most cases, the use of solid wood. They are also noted for their high degree of difficulty and frustration.
A Bad Dream circa 1909
Margaret Richardson/Perplexity, New York, NY
90 pc. Plywood. Non-interlocking.
Cut along outlines of animals.
All pieces shaped like imaginary animals.
In the Days of Dickens circa 1909
Clara Rawson/Delft, Providence, RI
284 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking.
Cut along color lines. Scenes involving characters from
Dickens novels were popular around 1909. Artist is Cecil
Aldin.
Lindy circa 1929
George Merrill, Melrose, MA
112 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Later in time but cut in
style similar to many 1909 era puzzles.
The Nations at Peace circa 1909
Emily Batterson, Hartford, CT
370 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines.
Reflects early 20th century world view of many Americans. Note
inclusion of Serbia as a European nation.
Court Jester circa 1909
unknown maker
220 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines. Note
highly unusual cutting away entirely of 2 corners.
Chinese Toymaker circa 1909
unknown maker
106 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. 23 figure pieces resembling
various objects. Cut along color lines.
Lion circa 1909
Holabird/Silhouette, Bryan, OH
25 pc. Plywood. Non-interlocking. Cut along silhouette. Wood is
same color both sides making it difficult to determine which side
should be "up" and whether the pieces match.
The Frolic circa 1909
Isabel Ayer/Picture Puzzle Exchange, Boston, MA
600 pc. Plywood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines. Lending
libraries for puzzles were common, both in the 1908-09 era and
the 1930s, and can be compared with the video rental stores of
today.
Washington Crossing the Delaware circa 1909
unknown maker
275 pc. Solid mahogany wood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color
lines. Revolutionary War themes were popular around 1909.
The First Automobile circa 1909
unknown maker
239 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines.
Humor was displayed in the prints of many puzzles from the 1909
era.
The Cardinal Birds circa 1909
unknown maker
399 pc. Plywood. Non-interlocking. Precision cutting of small
pieces along color lines results in an extremely difficult
puzzle.
The Love Letter circa 1909
Ullman Mfg. Co./Society Picture Puzzle, New York, NY
95 pc. Solidwood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines. Both
puzzle and box are circular in shape. Guide pictures were seldom
used for 1909 era and 1930s wood puzzles.
Black to Move, Black to Win circa 1909
Jig Saw Puzzle
104 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines. This
sympathic depiction of Blacks was unusual in early puzzles.
1930s Puzzles (Cases #5, 6, 7, 8)
The Great Depression of the 1930s left millions of Americans under-employed and looking for cheap entertainment, resulting in a huge demand for jigsaw puzzles. Quality plywood and reliable scroll saws had become readily available and a wide variety of puzzles were cut, mostly with interlocking features. This period is referred to as the "heyday" of American puzzling and is the period many older Americans of today remember from their youth
Coach Is Here! 1930s
H. E. Hamlen/Little Cut-Up, Chicopee, MA
400 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines. This puzzle
has been in the Armstrong family since the 1930s. Bob remembers
assembling sky as a little boy.
Mr. Wimple Casts His Vote 1930s
Marjorie Stillman, West Hartford, CT
401 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 10 figure pieces resembling
people. Cut along color lines. Artist is Norman Rockwell.
Bringing Home the Catch 1930s
P. H. Sargent, Andover, MA
300 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Edge is cut to resemble knobs
within puzzle, making it more difficult for assembler.
Roadside Encounter 1930s
Andover Novelty Shop/Nu-Friend, Andover, MA
130 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Scalloped edges. Stickers were
affixed to puzzle before cutting for humorous effect.
A Family Dinner 1930s
unknown maker
468 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines with
irregular edges for dramatic effect.
Sitting on Top of the World 1930s
Madmar Co./Interlox, Utica, NY
300 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Madmar Co. was active in making
puzzles from 1920 to 1967.
Heaven and Earth Blending 1930s
Grunsaco
323 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 40 figure pcs. Entire sections
were cut together so as to create 100 pieces which fit into more
than one place. Can you locate the sections which have been
"switched" to the wrong places. This technique was rare
in the 1930s, but is popular today in the form of
"trick" puzzles sold by Stave Puzzles and other makers
on display upstairs.
In the Garden of Dreams 1930s
Milton Bradley Co./Premier, Springfield, MA
254 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 22 figure pieces. Some cutting
along color lines. Artist is Maxfield Parrish whose pictures
continue to be in great demand today.
June Morning 1930s
H. C. MacDonald, Chatham, NJ
242 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Some cutting along color lines.
Picture from Saturday Evening Post cover 6/11/32.
Cupids Bower 1930s
Glad Houser, Litchfield, ME
343 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines. The
noticeable replacement piece was made by a previous owner and
even though not ideal, was retained as part of the history of the
puzzle.
Requiem 1930s
Mary Belle & John Paul Jones/Falls Puzzles, Chagrin Falls, OH
319 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 95 figure pieces. Falls Puzzles
was a family business, making extemely intricate puzzles filled
with lovely figure pieces. The back of the upper half is
displayed to allow better viewing of the figurals. Puzzle
suffered extensive damage over the years.
Be My Love 1940/50s
Par Co., New York, NY
150 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Note the seahorse
"signature" piece and "Puss", presumably the
affectionate name for the recipient of this romantic puzzle cut
from Saturday Evening Post cover of 2/15/36. Par Puzzles are
known as the "Rolls Royce" of jigsaw puzzles, famous
for their irregular edges and personalization. Artist is J. C.
Leyendecker.
Breeze! 1930s
Carroll A. Towne, Auburndale, MA
400 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines with 10
figure pieces appropriate to picture, plus puzzle title
"Breeze!", an arching cat representing the makers
"signature" piece, and a complex figural of 40 pieces
forming a giant sailing schooner. Can you locate these features?
Traders of Venice 1930s
G. J. Heddaems/Gibs Jig-Jog
1102 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines. 44 figure
pieces including "T C Wallace" (the owner?) and
"NRA" (?).
In the Valley of Beyond 1930s
Bessie Nowell, Bangor, ME
480 pc. Pressboard. Interlocking.
Cut along color lines. Pressboard, also used for handcut puzzles,
is not as durable as plywood. The escapist theme of this puzzle
symbolized Americas longing for a better life during the
Great Depression.
New York Life Building 1930s
Kawin/Skyline 3-D Puzzles, Astoria, NY
71 pc. Solidwood. Semi-interlocking. 3-D puzzles were made and
sold as a more challenging form of jigsaw puzzles in the 1930s
and are not unique to the 1990s.
Safety First 1930s
Book-O-The-Day Libraries, Springfield, MA
120 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 5 figure pieces including
"H", (cutters "signature"?). Unusual
graphics emphasizes safety theme.
The Writing Lesson 1930s
unknown maker
93 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Unusually sensitive picture of
Black teacher and White student.
For a Tight Squeeze 1950s
Par Co., NYC
1100 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Some cutting along color lines.
42 figure pieces including monogram ("AHM") of owner,
Anna Harrington Mosher, a Worcester native whose family
(Harrington) owned and operated The Paul Revere Life Insurance
Co. for many years.
Checkers 1930s
Arteno Co., Boston, MA
730 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines in unusual
"scroll" style. Artist is Norman Rockwell. Puzzle is
the all-time Armstrong family favorite.
Arriving at Connellys Tavern 1930s
Joseph Straus/Sculptured, Brooklyn, NY
257 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 2 layered. Two copies of same
picture are cut into puzzles, but one puzzle has background cut
away and is then glued on top of other puzzle in about 6 places,
thus creating a "sculptured" effect.
Prophylactic Brush Co. circa 1933
unknown maker
129 pc. Plywood. Non-interlocking. Cut along color lines. This
same picture was diecut as a cardboard puzzle in 1933 and given
out as a premium for purchasing Prophylactic toothbrushes. It was
enormously successful and began the "heyday" of the
advertising puzzle. Artist is Frances Tipton Hunter.
Worcester Area Makers (Case #4)
The Worcester area has had its share of puzzle makers, mainly during the 1930s. Probably, the best known was Charles Russell of Auburn, MA who cut wood puzzles from the 1930s to the 1970s. The former department store, Denholm & McKay also sold its own line of puzzles, probably cut by the Cape Cod Puzzle Co.
The First Thaw 1930s
Worcester, C--S
225 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. The designation "C--S"
is still a mystery, as is the maker of these puzzles.
Foiled 1930s
Denholm & McKay, Worcester, MA
100 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. As the leading department store in
Worcester during the 1930s, Denholm & McKay naturally sold
its own line of puzzles.
Jones Library Inc., Amherst, MA 1930s
S. R. Cross, Worcester, MA
75 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. Cut as a souvenir or
"postcard puzzle" to challenge your friends.
The Reaper 1930s
The Old Furniture Shop/Whileaway, Worcester, MA
103 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. More information on the maker
would be appreciated.
Norway 1930s
R. B. Vaughn/Cut Out, Worcester, MA
392 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Extremely well cut with 25 figure
pieces, 50 interrelated abstract designs, unusual corners, split
knobs and an irregular border.
Life Is So Beautiful--Stay Alive 1975
Charles Russell, Auburn, MA
444 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 18 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Although this puzzle was cut late in his career on
commission from the Armstrongs, Mr. Russell first began making
puzzles in the 1930s and is identified with that period. Artist
is Peter Max.
Pastime Puzzles 1908-58 (Wall Panel)
Parker Brothers, Inc., of Salem, MA, a long time maker of games and puzzles, responded to the puzzle fad of 1908-09 by bringing out the Pastime brand of puzzles. They continued to make these puzzles for 50 years, which many consider the best commercially cut puzzles on the market. Cut only by women (men did the setup and packing), the puzzles (except for the earliest) were cut along color lines on plywood, with a ratio of 12 figure pieces per 100 puzzle pieces. While hundreds of thousands were cut over the years, they are still a joy to assemble and own for any puzzle lover.
The Sleeping Beauty 1927-28
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
400 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 51 figure pieces, serveral of
which are more than 1 piece. Cut along color lines.
Visby 1934
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
750 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 100 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Artist is Ivar Gull.
Dreamland 1930s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
300 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 37 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Artist is Maxfield Parrish.
The Trapper 1930s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
500 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 60 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Artist is Clive.
Egyptian Temple 1920s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
1000 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 120 figure pcs. Cut along color
lines. Pastime catalogues listed puzzles for sale up to 1200
pieces. However, Pastime puzzles of several thousand pieces were
cut on commission for private customers.
An Acceptable Suitor 1910/20s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
750 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 90 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Although complete when purchased, over 90 damaged knobs in
this puzzle had to be restored.
Pocahontas and John Smith 1910s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
760 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. 80 figure pcs. A dramatic
action scene from a well known story.
When Winter Comes 1926
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
600 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 76 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines.
The Foundling 1930s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
752 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 88 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Artist is Hy Hintermeister.
Marguerite and Faust--Apparition 1913
Parker Brother/Pastime, Salem, MA
500 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 60 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. The Pastime puzzle lists for the early years feature
numerous scenes from opera which are truly appreciated by opera
lovers such as the Armstrongs.
Waiting 1920
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
200 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 24 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. The oval shape is unusual for Pastime or any other brand
of puzzle.
General Douglas MacArthur early 1940s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
350 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 42 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. Puzzles featuring scenes from WWII are a distinct niche
for puzzle collectors.
Responsibility 1940s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
501 p. Plywood. Interlocking. 60 figure pieces.
Cut along color lines. 140 pieces had delaminated because of
moisture and required regluing, a worthwhile effort in the end.
Quaint Quito 1930s
Parker Brothers/Picture Puzzle Mart, New York, NY
606 p. Plywood. Interlocking. 74 figure pieces, many of them
unusually elaborate and "enhanced" with well placed saw
marks. Cut along color lines on commission by one of the best
Pastime cutters for Josephine Flood who managed a lending library
on New York Citys Park Avenue.
Winter Sports--Children Skating 1917
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
384 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. 35 figure pieces. Cut along
color lines. The Victorian flavor of the picture makes a very
attractive puzzle.
Indian Girl in Canoe 1924
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
300 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. 24 figure pieces including
"water" with the "r" dropped down to confuse
the assembler. Cut along color lines. Compare romanticization of
Native Americans in this puzzle with "bad guys" view in
the late 19th century puzzle in Case #1 on the first floor.
Thrill of a Lifetime 1920
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
600 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 72 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines.
La Salome 1929
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
350 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 43 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines.
Sheep Pasture 1910s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
210 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 51 figure pieces. Marketed as a
Valentine puzzle, the figurals are all hearts and arrows and laid
out from side to side and top to bottom so as to form a mirror
image of each other. One questions the selection of such an
unromantic picture!
Retreat from Judah 1920s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
600 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 72 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. This dramatic action scene makes a stunning puzzle when
assembled.
But Soft: What Light Through Yonder Window Breaks
1927
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
100 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. 13 figure pieces. Cut along
color lines. Famous line from Shakespeare makes a great puzzle.
Where Dreams Are Made 1930s
Parker Brothers/Pastime, Salem, MA
305 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 37 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines. This scene is a favorite of many viewers. Artist is Victor
Anderson.
20th Century Childrens Puzzles (Case #11)
Childrens puzzles are marked by their smaller number of pieces (under 75), large size of individual pieces, and themes which have educational or entertainment appeal to children. From the very first puzzles cut in the 1760s to the end of the 19th century, nearly all puzzles were made for children. The 19th century puzzles displayed in Case #1 downstairs can also be called "childrens puzzles," although their very early origins, visual appeal and high value merit a separate display category. The case you are now looking at shows some of the variety of childrens puzzles cut earlier in the 20th century as well as several cut today, depicting old stories, fairy tales, animals and themes appealing to children.
Cinderella Story 1930s
unknown maker
28 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. One of set of two puzzles.
Mary! Mary! 1930s
H. A. Ryther/Patchwork, Millers Falls, MA
30 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 5 figure pieces.
Jack Be Nimble circa 1909
Leisure Hour, Melrose, MA
30 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Sold through The Original
Thread & Needle Shop in Boston, MA. Turn-of-the-century
graphics makes these puzzles very appealing.
Peter, Pumpkin Eater circa 1909
Leisure Hour, Melrose, MA
50 pc. Solid wood. Non-interlocking. Sold through The Original
Thread & Needle Shop in Boston.
Little Miss Muffet circa 1909
unknown maker
35 pc. Plywood. Non-interlocking.
Hey Diddle, Diddle 1930s
Madmar/Interlox, Utica, NY
30 pc. Plywood. Interlocking.
Hickory--Dickery Dock 1930s
Madmar/Interlox, Utica, NY
30 pc. Plywood. Interlocking.
Current Makers of Jigsaw Puzzles (Cases #9, 10, 11)
The last two decades have witnessed a revival of interest in hand cut wood puzzles, and there are several dozen people cutting puzzles today. Cases #9, 10 and 11 (top 2 shelves) exhibit the work of 25 current makers, listing their names and addresses in addition to features of their puzzles. If you are interested in commissioning your own puzzle or buying or renting one of theirs, contact them at the address listed. They would be pleased to be of assistance to you and most will even "personalize" a puzzle with your name, logo, messages, dates, favorite figure pieces, etc.
Massachusetts in May 1997
Al Pergande, Arfnotz Products
P.O. Box 540713
Orlando, FL 32854 Tel: 407-896-6599
200 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Irregular edge. 2-sided. 7 hand
painted images cut along color lines. 9 figure pieces of
snowflakes. 6 extra pieces which fit into puzzle but incorrectly
so as to prevent completion.
32 Cent Postage Stamp 1996
Peter Parker, Pinehurst, NC
24 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Miniature cut.
Pushkin Fairy Tale 1995
Michail Drugov, Pushkin, Russia
110 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 3 layers highlighting main picture
image and 6 figure pieces including cutters
"signature" piece (bear), all appropriate for scene.
Irregular edge.
The Hunt 1993
Charles Ross, Spiritwood Puzzles
15153 23rd St, SE
Arthkur, ND 58006 Tel: 701-967-8398
168 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 7 figure pieces including complex
image of Indian head highlighted by "dropping out"
parts of puzzle.
Chinese Children 1997
Jill Boone
4795 Lage Dr.
San Jose, CA 95130 Tel: 408-379-6835
103 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 12 figure pieces of Chinese
language characters and 1 figure piece (removed and turned upside
down) of a Chinese dragon.
Coral Reef 1997
Betsy Stuart, Elms Puzzles
P.O. Box 537
Harrison, ME 04040 Tel: 207-583-6534
130 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 6 figure pieces. 1 figure (fish)
made by "dropping out" (sculpting) parts of puzzle.
Irregular edge. Cut along color lines.
Reflections 1997
Jim Ayer, J. C. Ayer
& Co.
6 Ballast Lane
Marblehead, MA 01945 Tel: 617-639-8162
200 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 25 figure pieces including
makers "signature" piece (cat). Irregular edge.
Cut with a water jet guided by computer program written by maker.
Artist is Barbara Acmy.
Stargazing 1993
Conrad Armstrong, Armstrong
Puzzles
439 Marlboro St. Apt 12
Boston, MA 02115 Tel: 617-236-1904
293 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 3 figure pieces including
makers "signature" piece (arm). 7 figures in sky
made by "dropping out" (sculpting) parts of puzzle, all
appropriate to scene. Artist is Maxfield Parrish.
The Terrace at Sainte Addresse, 1867 1997
Wyatt Garfield, Quandry Puzzles
Mirick Road
Princeton, MA 01541 Tel: 508-464-5548
200 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 8 figure pieces. Irregular edge.
Print is from calendar of cats published by Metropolitan Museum
of Art, New York, NY and is a "spoof" of a Monet print.
Humming Along 1997
Stave Puzzles
Box 329
Norwich, VT 05055 Tel: 802-295-5200
160 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 3 figure pieces including
makers "signature" piece (clown). Sections
dropped out. Irregular edge. Pieces double cut so as to fit in 2
places (only one being correct) makes an extremely difficult
puzzle.
Autumn at River Road Farm 1997
Rachael Page Elliott, Pagemark Puzzles
291 River Road
Carlisle, MA 01741 Tel: 508-369-4380
400 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 12 figure pieces of animals living
at River Road Farm (removed onto top of puzzle by their
"hole")
Escape to Rainy Lake 1997
Doug Logeland, Rainy Lake Puzzles
4255 Garfield Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55409 Tel: 612-827-5757
345 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Figure pieces represent animals,
activities of MN. Some cutting along color lines. Irregular edges
cut to reflect features of MN. Figures made by "dropping
out" (sculpting). Pieces double cut to fit in 2 places (only
one being correct). Original watercolor by Jim West.
Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand 1997
Ralph Warren
16 Winchester Ave.
Auburn, MA 01501 Tel: 508-832-4883
291 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 18 figure pieces. Cut along color
lines.
The Folding Garden 1997
Carol Ottenberg
2317 22nd Ave. East
Seattle, WA 98112 Tel: 206-720-7150
100 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 4 figure pieces. Irregular &
wavy edges.
Capturing the Grizzly 1997
Ken Llinas, LL Toys
9308 70th Ave.
Forest Hills, NY 11375 Tel: 718-575-9721
93 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 8 figure pieces related to scene.
Cut along color lines and as a childrens frame tray puzzle.
True Grit 1997
Nancy Ballhagen, Ballhagen Woodcraft
25211 Garden Crest Rd.
Lebanon, MO 65536 Tel: 417-286-3837
218 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 32 figure pieces representing 21
John Wayne movies. Can you identify some of the movies?
The Aria 1997
Richard Ballhagen
26240 Pecos Dr.
Lebanon, MO 65536 Tel: 417-532-5355
325 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 34 figure pieces including the
makers "signature" piece (kicking mule along
bottom). Cut along color lines and with sections "dropped
out" (sculpting) to enhance folds of dress. Hand painted.
Jungle Jim 1997
Mark G. Cappitella
31 Bogue Lane
E. Haddam, CT 06423 Tel: 888-604-7654
200 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Cut along color lines around edges
and with "drop outs" to create highly irregular
borders.
Bird Fractur 1997
Evan J. Kern
Deceased
150 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. A fractur is a small decorative
painting, usually watercolor, which members of Pennsylvania
German communities painted and gave as gifts to friends.
Walkers Point 1997
Richard A. Dabrowski, Its A Puzzle
19 Oak Street
Kennebunkport, ME 04046 Tel: 207-967-5252
50 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. 1 figure piece. Cut for gift shops,
puzzle can be assembled on tray within mat and displayed like
picture. Artist is cutter, himself.
Last Leaves, Winter Solstice 1996
Amy Scott
45 West 87th Street, #2B
New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-877-2985
200 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Irregular edges. 2 figure pieces,
including cutters initials, "afs". Hand painted
on wood by cutter, herself.
National Costumes of the 15 Republics of the Soviet
Union 1997
Carl Osgood
P. O. Box 169
Surry, ME 04684 Tel: 207-667-9508
85 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. Cut along color lines around
figures of costumed people. Frame tray included.
3-D Butterfly 1981
Sherryn Marie McNab, McNab Puzzles Designs
P. O. Box 428
Sanger, CA 93657 Tel: 209-787-2869
36 pc. 2" solid wood. Interlocking. 12 figure pieces
spelling "Neiman Marcus" for whom puzzle was designed.
Cut with band saw along "veins" and irregular edges in
shape of butterfly. Traditional jigsaw puzzles are cut with a
scroll saw and a blade as thin as .008".
Heading Home 1997
Malcolm C. Henry
RR 1, Box 430
Orrs Island, ME
22 pc. 1" solid wood. Interlocking. Several pieces interlock
horizontally to create a 3-dimensional effect and add to the
challenge of assembly. Compare the New York Life
Building puzzle in the first floor cases devoted to the
1930s period.
Lobstering in Maine 1997
Malcolm C. Henry
RR 1, Box 430
Orrs Island, ME
500 pc. Plywood. Semi-interlocking. Cut along color lines.
Irregular edges.
Mer-re-flections 1997
David Beffa-Negrini
RR 1, Box 532
Walpole, NH 03608 Tel: 603-423-2248
73 pc. Solid basswood with mahogany backing. Interlocking. Highly
irregular edges and "dropouts". Spells out "Merry
Christmas" as a "mirror image", e.g., if held to a
mirror or turned over. puzzle still spells out "Merry
Christmas".
Bozos Business 1996
Graham C. Curtis, Genwood Puzzles
RR Box 41
Kilbourne, IL 62655 Tel: 309-562-7301
285 pc. Plywood. Interlocking. Irregular edge.
32 figure pieces resembling circus figures. How many can you
find?