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The Building of the Ship - A new dissected puzzle

Publisher Philip, Son & Nephew

Datec 1880

Object number00031665

NameBooklet

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall (Closed): 164 × 114 × 3 mm, 16 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis explanatory booklet accompanies a jigsaw puzzle called Building the Ship, and describes in detail the process of shipbuilding, and the roles of various trades associates in the process. The 24 page booklet explains the choice of iron as the building material, how the ship is designed, the reason for using a Naval Architect, and the use of the mould loft and the builders shed. It continues with a full and accurate description of the ship building process. It then descibes the launching, mast stepping, the sail makers loft and anchor-smiths shop. Lastly, the booklet gives credit to the enormous effort of the 'lumpers' who load the cargo before the vessel is underway.HistoryJigsaw puzzles were first offered in Europe in the mid-18th century in the form of dissected maps and were used as a new tool for teaching children geography. Educational purposes continued to drive puzzle design and by the early 19th century, biblical, moral, historical and technological subjects were commonly presented in jigsaw puzzle form. Early puzzles were very expensive, hand crafted luxuries, often costing more than the average labourer's weekly wage. But as mass production techniques became common, puzzles became more affordable. This puzzle would have originally sold for around 5 shillings. This puzzle was originally designed by John Betts, and formed part of the company’s extensive range of educational puzzles and maps. When Betts went out of business in 1875 his goodwill was taken over by Philip, Son & Nephew who continued to sell their stock under Betts name.SignificanceThis booklet makes up a complete children's puzzle set from the late 19th century. Although the British shipbuilding industry was the largest in the world in the 19th century, jigsaw puzzles relating to their design and construction are unusual. Complete children's jigsaw puzzles from the 19th century are now very scarce, as the pieces are almost always lost with use.