A centuries-old jigsaw made to mark the 1862 Great London Exhibition has been discovered in a Victorian chest of drawers.
Valuers at Hansons Auctioneers were stunned to discover the 162-year-old wooden jigsaw, which should spark a puzzling but delightful challenge for any would-be purchaser.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons said: “Homes often contain toys dating from the 1960s to the present day but it’s rare to find such an old puzzle. We generally come across Dinky and Corgi vehicles, vintage Action Man, teddies and dolls. Plus gaming has come of age in the collectors’ market. Now items such as Game Boys consoles and Pokémon cards are excelling under the hammer.”
The London International Exhibition of Industry and Art, as it was officially known, was a world fair. It opened on May 1, 1862 but Queen Victoria did not attend as she was still in mourning for her consort, Prince Albert, who passed away in 1861.
Some 39 participating countries and 6,096,617 visitors attended, bringing in receipts of £459,632. This covered the exhibition costs of £458,842 and left a profit of £790.
The jigsaw, which features the exhibition building, period figures, horses and wagons, is guided at £80-£120.
Toy auction entries invited
Toys to sell? Entries are invited for regular toys, live steam, railwayana and gaming sales. To book a free valuation, email David Wilson-Turner: [email protected].
