“English Home” is a 308-piece interlocking puzzle that measures 12 x 16 inches. It was created by H. D. Jarvis, 73 Haverhill St., Boston, Mass. The cutter apparently cut the puzzle in half, and stacked the halves on top of each other, matching the straight side edges. He then cut them simultaneously for about three inches in from the side edges. This is know as double-cutting. The result is numerous pairs of identically shaped pieces which will fit in two different places in the puzzle, although their colors provide the guide to the correct locations (see photos). The remaining center section of the puzzle was then cut singly. Assembling the puzzle is quite tricky. the puzzle is cut in a random style, and the center section includes a small amount of color-line cutting. One knob and three tiny chips are missing the top layer of wood and paper. Otherwise, the puzzle is complete and in very good condition.
The original box is sturdy but worn, and the lid has been taped. The maker’s label is intact.
This puzzle is part of an extensive collection of vintage hand-cut puzzles formerly owned by the late Ann Bohner, known on eBay as “puzzled grannie.”