Buckingham Jig Picture Puzzle Value Guide

The Buckingham Jig Picture Puzzle is a quintessential artifact of the Great Depression, representing the 1930s craze for affordable home entertainment. These puzzles are highly collectible for their intricate scroll-cut designs and nostalgic scenic or nautical imagery that once challenged adult enthusiasts.

What affects the value of Buckingham Jig Picture Puzzle?

• Completeness of the puzzle pieces is the primary factor, as missing pieces significantly reduce the $25-$28 market value.
• The condition of the original decorative box, which is often prone to edge wear or structural failure.
• Subject matter appeal, with nautical scenes and vibrant scenic landscapes typically commanding higher interest.
• The preservation of the paper lithograph, specifically looking for minimal fading or peeling from the cardboard backing.

How to Identify Buckingham Jig Picture Puzzle?

• Look for the distinctive 'Buckingham' branding on the original decorative storage box.
• Verify the 'scroll cut' style, which features complex, interlocking shapes designed to mimic hand-cut wooden puzzles.
• Confirm the material is heavy-duty 1930s era cardboard with a paper lithograph overlay.
• Check for the specific United States manufacturing marks typical of the 1930-1939 production period.

History of Buckingham Jig Picture Puzzle

During the Great Depression, jigsaw puzzles exploded in popularity as a cheap form of home entertainment. Buckingham puzzles were part of this craze, often featuring scenic or nautical imagery. The 'scroll cut' style was advertised to emphasize the intricacy of the hand-like die cutting, making the puzzles more challenging and desirable for adults.