S/4107 Antique Early 19th Century Puzzle by William Darton

An extremely rare dissected puzzle by William Darton produced in the early 1800's and titled, Pictures for young tarry-at-home travellers to gain some knowledge of men in distant parts of the globe designed for their amusement and instruction. He set up his own publishing works at 56 Holborn Hill London in 1808. These puzzles were the forerunner of jigsaws and made by placing a picture on a piece of mahogany, then cutting it into shapes. The edges were interlocking and the centre just pushed together. They were made as a teaching aid for young travelllers, so as to gain some knowledge of people and their clothing in other countries in distant parts of the globe. It is all housed in an associated mahogany box with a sliding lid.

Puzzle: 12x15 in. (30.5x38 cm.)
Box: see measurements

Sold 8¾ in. (22 cm.) Wide
7 in. (18 cm.) Deep
1½ in. (4 cm.) High
English Circa 1810