You've provided quite a "feast" today, with so many small puzzles featured. My favourite, in terms of image, is "A Precious Load," though I like best the story you've told for "The Band of the Life Guards in State Dress." I agree with you that it is a little bit regrettable that you no longer have this first (for you) push fit puzzle, if for no other reason than that you could compare it to other puzzles in your collection. I felt quite engaged with the story of Édouard Cortès. I also think the puzzle entitled "Wayside Gossips" would be more appropriately entitled "Wayside Flirts." In any case, thanks for all your work.
You make the following statement about interlocking puzzles:
The basic form for making pieces interlock in those years was to cut knob-shaped protrusions so that once adjoining pieces were assembled they would not become dislodged from each other. This method was invented in Germany sometime in the late 19th century. Initially, only the outside edge pieces were cut to be interlocking (possibly since cutting the interlocking knobs significantly slows down cutting on a scroll saw.) Having an interlocking edge creates a frame within which push-fit pieces are somewhat more stable. (I think that I recall reading that Tuck introduced the technique to the UK, but offhand I can’t find the source for that to confirm my memory.)
This is simply not the case. I have puzzles from the 18th century and early nineteenth century that interlock around the edges.
Dear Bill,
You've provided quite a "feast" today, with so many small puzzles featured. My favourite, in terms of image, is "A Precious Load," though I like best the story you've told for "The Band of the Life Guards in State Dress." I agree with you that it is a little bit regrettable that you no longer have this first (for you) push fit puzzle, if for no other reason than that you could compare it to other puzzles in your collection. I felt quite engaged with the story of Édouard Cortès. I also think the puzzle entitled "Wayside Gossips" would be more appropriately entitled "Wayside Flirts." In any case, thanks for all your work.
You make the following statement about interlocking puzzles:
The basic form for making pieces interlock in those years was to cut knob-shaped protrusions so that once adjoining pieces were assembled they would not become dislodged from each other. This method was invented in Germany sometime in the late 19th century. Initially, only the outside edge pieces were cut to be interlocking (possibly since cutting the interlocking knobs significantly slows down cutting on a scroll saw.) Having an interlocking edge creates a frame within which push-fit pieces are somewhat more stable. (I think that I recall reading that Tuck introduced the technique to the UK, but offhand I can’t find the source for that to confirm my memory.)
This is simply not the case. I have puzzles from the 18th century and early nineteenth century that interlock around the edges.
Thank you for the feedback, Joe. I'll correct that.