(JIGSAW). ~ Alphabet des Métiers. Paris: Becquet for Huet [and sold by] Clochez et Sevette, [c. 1860s].
Three large jigsaw puzzles (each 275 × 355 mm), hand-coloured lithographs mounted on original paper covered light wooden board. Evenly browned and with occasional soiling, one or two very slight blemishes to paper at edges of cut pieces (one with very slight loss to blank margin). Original box with a further hand-coloured lithograph to the upper cover, decorative gilt paper borders, green glazed paper sides. Complete, and an excellent survival.
A rare French jigsaw set in three parts — a wonderful and complete alphabet illustrated with trades and crafts (male and female) including the: an armourer, laundrywoman, gilder, epicier, florist, glovemaker, herbalist, printer, gardener, ‘kiosque’ vendor, milkwoman, blacksmith, fancy goods seller (’nouveautés’), goldsmith, pavier, ironmonger, restaurateur, sculptor, dyer, factoryworker, tailor, wood engraver (’xylographes’ —a good solution for the letter ‘X’) and zincworker.