Jigsaw Man
When I was three or so I got my first “real” jigsaw.
By real, I mean a proper wood-backed one with fiddly little pieces, designed more for the adult market that for pudgy little fingers.
It was a 60-piece puzzle and it was called “The Golden Arrow”. I loved that jigsaw and would endlessly do it and then break it up again. I did a search on the Web and actually found a copy of it, so it is still doing the rounds.
Yesterday, our K8 was here helping with a bit of a tidy-up of the place, and what did she find underneath a box of old books?
Yup! My old friend “The Golden Arrow”!
The most amazing thing is that it is still complete. It is well worn from use and there is a tiny chip off one of the pieces, but every piece is there, just as I remember. I don’t know how it survived but somehow it managed to remain intact down through the years.
I gave it to Sir Fartzalott to play with. He is a grand lad for the jigsaws, but up ‘til now they have all been the big-piece floor types made of cardboard. This was his first time to see an old wooden one with small pieces.
He took to it like a duck to water, and with just a little help, managed to finish it. Not bad for two-and-a-bit.
I wonder if it will still be around for his grandson?
For his grandson? Of course not! The parts are a choking hazard and by the next generation we will all have mandatory health and safety inspections in houses with children, such toys will have been made illegal and impounded.
With a bit of luck, that puzzle is made from lead-based glue and non-sustainable timber!
They will all be digital. Just did one the other day.
What? Like this?? Heh!
i hope it does last through the ages for his, stuff like that should
A relic of the days when toys didn't need batteries or remote controls!
No. Like the one I sent you.
Ah! That was you, was it?
No.
Didn't think it was….
I remember my first Jigsaw too. So does my middle finger. I was an eager young diy'er then, without experience or guidance I plugged the bugger in and pulled the trigger button to power it up….oh yeah! the power….wait 'till I get cutting with this, I thought.
Two minutes later and three inches into a piece of ply, I had taken the top off my fucking finger. Later after a long and painful visit to Hospital I was involuntarily giving everyone I encountered, 'The Bird' as my digit was bandaged in that unyielding position…the embarrassment. My friends presented me with a box of Chocolate Fingers….bastards.
I still have that Jig Saw and My G/Son will not be getting it.
Shame. All kids should be allowed paly with power tools from the earliest possible age. Teaches 'em respect for mechanics. And electricity…
I always planned to put several power tools into my kid's cradle at 10 weeks of age. No more than six of course, that's all the outlets you get on the standard power bar. I never had any kids though (not for lack of trying you understand). Probably a good thing?
Heart-felt story, GD. (Not meant as a flip comment)
And a non-flip reply.. I really was amazed and delighted to find that old friend. I thought it had been binned decades ago. I'm even more delighted to pass it on.
I agree, a fine story, a good looking puzzle and a wooden one to boot.
GD. If you ever feel like getting back to jigsaws may I recommend the WASGIJ. They give hoursof fun on those cold summer nights.
The cover of the box usually gives the reaction shot – the jigsaw itself is the action. no clues given.
Brilliant.
I'm fine with the jigsaws – I make my own using this wee propgramme. I can use my own images and set any number of pieces from 4 to 4,000 [or more]. 😉
A nice story.
The Reverend who invented Thomas the Tank Engine lived in the town where I live now. When he died they put up a stain glass window of Thomas the Tank in the local church in his honour. It's not very big, but pretty cool and about the only time I ever got either of my boys voluntarily into a church was to go and see it!