Old Old Tale, The

A puzzle cut in sections from solid wood in simple early style. The subject is a rather dark rendering of Abraham Solomon's painting titled "The Old Old Tale" or alternatively "Courting" and depicts a gentleman trying to proposition a young lady walking home from church. This picture appeared in the Pear Soap album of 1908.

The cut is push-fit with no line cutting and the picture is so dark one can only fit pieces based on their shape. The blank has been quartered by gently waving cuts, and appears to have been internally stack-cut.

It was originally in John Hyde's collection and has been sold in a replacement box. John's records indicate that it was housed in a Horsman's Confuseyu box, and the cut is compatible with known examples. This American brand is uncommon or rare, and was based in New York City, known dates 1908-9, c 1910-20. (ref Anne Williams).

Artist: Solomon, Abraham (1823 - 1862)
Brand: Confuseyu
Date: Early 20th century
Material: Solid wood
Nationality: American
Pieces: 500
Size: 14" x 22½"
Theme: Pears Print, Romance, Morality, 19thC Art
Title: The Old Old Tale