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
ALSO AVAILABLE:
“Smart People’s Story Puzzle”
$29.95
Here are pristine examples of the last,
largest and rarest Cluster Puzzle
created. Originally titled
"Unlikely Story NO.1: The Amazing Discovery of Alec Zandimer Plerp" and sold by Cadaco in 1967, this puzzle was re-titled
"Smart People's Story Puzzle" in 1968 and marketed then 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, packaging 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
almost 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.
Click: Read some of our fan mail here
Dealer inquires invited