Choix de la Rapière, Le (Tableau Anglais)

A signed painting English artist Vernon Ward depicting a man in a Cavalier-style dress testing a rapier blade under the eye of the maker.

The handwritten date on the box base (January 1953) indicates the puzzle being made in the early 1950's but more definite information is welcomed.

Subsequently this example had some pieces repaired in 1974 and three more have been replaced at a later date.

Artist: Ward, Vernon de Beauvoir (1905 - 1985)
Date: c.1950's
Brand: Jouets Vera
Material: 3-ply wood
Nationality: French
Pieces: 400
Range: Royal Vera
Size: 13" x 10" (approximate)
Theme: Fencing
Title: Le Choix de la Rapière, (Tableau Anglais)