🔴🔵RARE, Optimago Ltd. “The Boarding of the Chesapeake”, Vintage Wooden puzzle. Approx. 308 pieces. This Highly Collectible, Hand cut, Wooden puzzle was produced between 1979-2005. Nautical chart jigsaw puzzle. Painted by Thomas Whitcombe. This Optimago Ltd. puzzle was made in England, and distributed by Lands’ End. The painting of the ship in the ocean, is a detailed rendition of Captain Broke, Commander of H.B.M. Shannon challenging Captain Lawrence, of the U.S.S. Chesapeake, to single combat. Approx. 16.5” x 13” completed. These Unique jigsaw puzzles were packaged in cloth draw string bags.

This complete puzzle, is in very good pre-owned condition. The cloth bag has some expected fading given its age, and the included puzzle photo has some storage wear and creases with it being stored in the puzzle bag. Overall Outstanding Vintage puzzle. There may be some light glare/reflection or shadow on some photos. The listed item is Exactly what you’ll receive. See pictures.

Optimago Ltd., of London, England, was a prolific manufacturer of wooden jigsaw puzzles, established in 1979, but sadly ceased trading in 2005. Unlike other modern makers such as Wentworth, their puzzles were not laser-cut, preferring the more labour intensive, but traditional method of scroll saw cutting. The corner pieces, some center, middle and side pieces contain small nail holes which are an inherent part of the hand cutting process. Most puzzles were cut to a very uniformly interlocking pattern, but sometimes included straight edge pieces in central areas.

More durable than cardboard puzzles each wooden puzzle piece is stronger and rigid. They aren’t subject to wear and tear like cardboard pieces, which are known to degrade over time. Wooden puzzles will last for years and years to come. Many people have their wood puzzles for so long that they pass them down as family heirlooms. Wood puzzles can last for generations.

This is a beautiful puzzle, produced in a bygone era, when hand cut puzzles were commonplace, that would be a great addition for anyone that enjoys and appreciates vintage wooden puzzles.