NOW AVAILABLE:
The
Collector's Guide to Cluster Puzzles
of the 1960s and 1970s by Kelvin Palmer
$29.95
Puzzlers have described them as tough, funny, unique, odd, ingenious,
weird, a trip, Suess-esque and "the most unusual puzzles I've ever seen".
Having observed that a growing number of collectors are discovering or
re-discovering these fun and interesting items, I have written and published
"The Collector's Guide to Cluster Puzzles of the 1960s and 1970s".
Quite simply, the book is THE authoritative source of Cluster Puzzle history and
detail. I am uniquely qualified to tackle the subject, as my father, Alex
Palmer, is the inventor, artist and designer who created Jumble-Fits and Cluster
Puzzles in the early 1960s.
These creative and unique "puzzles with every
piece a picture" were first produced and marketed by my father under his Tek
Method Company name in 1964. The Cadaco Company began marketing the products in
1966. Dad created the six small puzzles titled Animals, Figments, Sports,
Make-Up, Doodles and Whimsies and one large "Unlikely Story" puzzle titled "The
Amazing Discovery of Alec Zandimer Plerp". The puzzles were challenging enough
to assemble that each was supplied with a humorous "Hint Card".
The fifty-page, all-color book contains two parts. The first
is the story of Cluster Puzzle development and evolution. The story includes
brief background on my father, tales of my family packaging and marketing
Cluster Puzzles from our home prior to the Cadaco company involvement, insight
into how each puzzle theme came about, detail of the Cadaco years and the
eventual demise of the products.
The second part is a technical guide to
Cluster Puzzles including detailed descriptions and photos of the various
versions of puzzle packaging, quality color reproductions of all the puzzle
artworks and hint cards, unit production estimates, vintage trade advertising
examples, purchasing tips and more.
More below
STORY PUZZLE
AVAILABLE:
The Amazing Discovery of Alec Zandimer
Plerp
$29.95
Here are pristine examples of the
last, largest and rarest Cluster Puzzle created. Titled
"Unlikely Story NO.1: The Amazing Discovery of Alec Zandimer Plerp" and sold by
Cadaco in 1967, this puzzle was later marketed in small numbers by my
father directly. It assembles to nearly twice the size of the original six
smaller Cluster Puzzles and contains 48 pieces. The "hint card" reads in the
form of a continuous story, differing from the style of previous Cluster Puzzles
in the series. These ARE NOT reproductions or reissues. The puzzle
pieces, story card and labeling are all "new old stock" manufactured in the
1960s. The cartoon character graphics and color quality are amazing. Only
limited numbers of these original materials still exist.
More below
Collector's
Guide and Puzzle Bundle
$47.95
Save 20% when ordering the
book and puzzle together.
The "Story Puzzle" above has now been commemorated in a
limited edition, hardwood version.
We have commissioned
J.C. Ayer & Company of Massachusetts to manufacture this heirloom-quality
wooden collector's edition. The puzzles use the original color art puzzle
"skins" printed in 1967 that were originally intended for the cardboard puzzles.
A limited number of these vibrantly colored, un-mounted sheets have been in dry
storage for over 40 years and are in perfect condition.
The sheets
are affixed to fine-quality, 1/4" thick plywood. Each piece is precision cut
using J.C. Ayer’s proprietary process. The thick wooden pieces have a wonderful,
robust feel and fit together beautifully. All 48 pieces and the story sheet are
supplied in a sturdy storage box.
For fans and collectors of the
Cluster Puzzle / Jumble-Fits series, this is a unique opportunity to own a
special edition designed to last lifetimes.
These are custom made in
small batches only. We currently have several on hand, ready to ship.
Learn more about J.C. Ayer & Company at: ayerpuzzles.com
Just drop us an email message at: info@azplerp.com and tell us what you want to order. Make sure
to include your shipping address and we will quote you an exact cost including
UPS shipping charges. We accept PAYPAL, personal checks or money orders.
Sorry, we do not accept credit cards directly.
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