Savile Jig Saw Puzzle, The

The "Savile" Jig Saw brand is a name associated with the company A. Brown & Sons Ltd., a printers and booksellers based in Hull, advertising addresses at Savile Street and King Edward Street.

Originally founded by Anthony Brown c1860, as a bookseller and publisher, before going through various developments, including that of school uniform outfitters c1872, the company went on to be registered as a private business in 1905, this being the identity we see recorded on puzzle boxes.

Wooden jigsaws were probably a relatively short-lived venture to place alongside the firm's book-selling activities, with only a few examples turning up. Those seen so far have all demonstrated a cutting style most associated with the better known and quite prolific "Expert" brand of puzzles. The box slogan of "Guaranteed Complete and Perfect" is another clear connection with other branded puzzles associated with the Expert name, such as the "Bridge" puzzles retailed through W.H. Smith and Sons of Bridge Street Newbury. See the beautiful example Awaiting Spring's Wistful Breezes to explore the comparison further.