Jigsaw puzzle
Ernest Nister
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1900
Materials
Wood, cardboard and printed paper
Measurements
222 mm (width of puzzle); 222 mm (height of puzzle); 300 mm ( height of box); 225 mm (height of box)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 660238
Summary
Seven jigsaw puzzles each with a corresponding picture on a different sheet. The first three are illustrated with soldiers by the artist J.A. Stewart. The first of these comes with a card box lid with 'The Soldier Puzzle Box' inscribed in red ink, with details of the manufacturer and countries. Printed on the base of the box is 'London / Ernest Nister / Printed in Bavaria / 954 / New York / E.P. Dullon and Co.' The picture is of six soldiers in red uniforms, behind a large wheeled gun. The second has several soldiers, some on horses, some behind a wheeled gun. These soldiers are also in red uniforms, although one on horseback is in blue. The third soldier jigsaw shows soldiers in blue uniforms and yellow hats looking into the distance. One is sitting on a large wheeled gun and another wheeled gun is being fired in the top left hand corner. The next two jigsaws are of children playing. The first of these is an outdoor scene with seven children and a dog in a ring. The artist of this jigsaw is A.D. The second shows eleven children and a dog indoors playing Blindman's Bluff. Another jigsaw shows children aboard a boat with a chimney with steam coming out of it. One of the children is in a blue uniform and has a telescope. The boat is inscribed with 'EN' and 'E NISTER' which relates to the manufacturer and ties the jigsaws in with the three soldier ones. The last jigsaw is of two children and fairies and other magical creatures in a country lane. Under the picture is inscribed inside an oblong shape: 'Here are some friends from Fairyland; I think you know them all.' Many of the jigsaws have pieces or parts of pieces missing. Some of the picture sheets have been torn and repaired with coloured sellotape, one of which has a Christmas design. On the back of these sheets have been written in pencil: 'Iona' or 'Iona's' or 'I.D' or 'Iona Drunsfield.' Total number of items is one hundred and three
Makers and roles
Ernest Nister , maker