Course de chevaux

This super plywood puzzle comes from the earlier years of Puzzle Vera, carrying a handwritten completion date of January 1942. It is predominantly of a push-fit style, with some partial interlocking pieces and is very carefully colour line-cut throughout. Most interesting of all are the superbly cut whimsies, or figural shaped pieces. To add considerable charm, they have been partly cut through to create wing/arm details and even eyes have been punched into the surface. Beautiful!
Another similarly-cut Vera puzzle, probably from close to the same era and with whimsies is A Dutch Landscape, although this does not include the extra detail on the character pieces.
Many thanks to Jacques Vélu for the details and images of this fascinating puzzle.

Artist: Unidentified
Date: c1941
Brand: Vera
Material: Plywood
Nationality: France
Pieces: 500
Size: 14" x 11"
Theme: Horses
Title: Course de chevaux