Circa 20 years ago, my wife and I were on a ski trip to Saas Fee in Switzerland...however, there was so much snow that the lifts could not run safely and we were village-bound.

As a result, we spent an unusual week drinking too much and buying surprising things...like this 12,000 piece puzzle.

Ravensburger 12,000New York - The City That Never Sleeps

The completed puzzle is 285cm x 138cm

Ever since we brought it home, it's been in our loft waiting for its' day to arrive...and that day finally came.  But not the one that had us starting the puzzle, rather it was the day we started building our loft room and we realized that we would never start it.

...so here it is.

As I recall, the shop opened the box to reassure us the contents were all present (this was a very expensive puzzle), then re-wrapped the box...and this is what you see.

*Update - March 30: to confirm the answers to a couple of questions, I have removed the sales assistant-added shrink wrap to show the contents.

The previous ‘borrowed’ picture of the contents has been removed and I have added 3 new pictures showing the actual contents of this box. Three plastic bags hold the puzzle pieces (in 3 vertical segments), they are all still heat sealed as they came from the factory. There is a large poster showing the puzzle graphic as a visual aid, and a few booklets.

Also, a single outside corner of the exterior packaging of the outer box is still connected.

Please see the pictures as they are part of the description and are of the actual item for sale.