Catalog Archive
Auction 120, Lot 58

"Hemisphere Occidental avec Privilege du Roy", Anon.

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany - Western Hemisphere Puzzle

Period: 1779 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6 x 5 inches
15.2 x 12.7 cm
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Very early and rare miniature jigsaw puzzle. It is copper engraved, hand colored and laid on thin wood. The map has cartography typical of the period with a misshapen coast on the Pacific Northwest and just a hint of the coasts of New Zealand and Australia shown in the Pacific.

The first jigsaw puzzle was produced around 1760 by John Spilsbury, a London engraver and mapmaker. So, this is a very early example and the earliest we have ever seen or that we can find in any price records.

References:

Condition: B

The puzzle has all of its pieces, and it has some foxing throughout. There is some abrasion of the surface. The wood has been laid on a thin piece of contemporary period, French paper to keep the pieces together.

Estimate: $500 - $800

Sold for: $350

Closed on 7/18/2007

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