When Was the First Jigsaw Puzzle Made? A Fascinating History

Jigsaw puzzles have been a beloved pastime for centuries, challenging minds and providing entertainment for all ages. But when was the first jigsaw puzzle made? The answer takes us back to 18th-century Europe, where an innovative educator created the very first puzzle for an unexpected purpose.

In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ The origin of the first jigsaw puzzle
✔ Who invented it and why?
✔ How puzzles evolved over time
✔ The rise of modern jigsaw puzzles

Let’s dive into the fascinating history of this timeless brain teaser!

The Birth of the Jigsaw Puzzle: 1760s

The first jigsaw puzzle was created around 1762 by John Spilsbury, a British engraver and mapmaker. Spilsbury, who worked as an apprentice to the Royal Geographer of King George III, came up with the idea as an educational tool—not just for fun.

How the First Puzzle Was Made

• Spilsbury mounted a world map onto a wooden board.

• He then carefully cut around country borders using a fine saw (a "jigsaw," though early versions used a fretsaw).

• The result? A dissected map that students could reassemble to learn geography.

This invention was called a "dissected map" rather than a "jigsaw puzzle," a term that came later.

Why Were Jigsaw Puzzles Invented?

Unlike today’s puzzles, the first jigsaw puzzles were not meant for entertainment but for education.

• Geography Lessons: Spilsbury’s puzzles helped children learn countries, continents, and borders.

• Wealthy Families Only: Since each puzzle was handmade, only elite schools and wealthy families could afford them.

• Later Expansion: By the early 1800s, puzzles expanded to include other subjects like history and the alphabet.

The Evolution of Jigsaw Puzzles

1800s: From Education to Entertainment

• Early 1800s: Puzzles remained educational but started including religious scenes and moral lessons.

• Mid-1800s: Advances in lithography allowed for colorful images, making puzzles more appealing.

• Late 1800s: Puzzle makers introduced interlocking pieces, making them more stable.

Early 1900s: The Golden Age of Puzzles

• 1908 – Parker Brothers Mass-Produced Puzzles: The first cardboard puzzles lowered costs, making them accessible to the public.

• 1930s – The Great Depression Boom: Puzzles became a cheap, reusable form of entertainment. Companies like Springbok and Ravensburger gained popularity.

• First "Jigsaw" Term Use: While Spilsbury’s puzzles were cut with fretsaws, the term "jigsaw puzzle" became common in the early 1900s.

Modern Jigsaw Puzzles (1950s–Today)

• 1950s–60s: Die-cutting machines allowed for complex, irregular shapes.

• 1970s–80s: 3D puzzles and large-piece children’s puzzles emerged.

• 2000s–Today: Digital puzzles (like Jigsaw Puzzle apps) and luxury wooden puzzles (e.g., Artifact Puzzles) became popular.

Fun Facts About Jigsaw Puzzles

???? The world’s largest puzzle (by piece count) is "Memorable Disney Moments" (40,320 pieces).
???? The most expensive puzzle was a $27,000 gold-plated version by Japanese artist Yinka Shonibare.
???? Speed puzzling is now a competitive sport—the world record for a 1,000-piece puzzle is 1 hour, 1 minute, and 29 seconds.

Conclusion: A Timeless Invention

So, when was the first jigsaw puzzle made? The answer is 1762, thanks to John Spilsbury’s ingenious educational tool. From wooden geography lessons to today’s massive 50,000-piece puzzles, this simple yet brilliant invention has stood the test of time.

Whether you enjoy them for relaxation, brain training, or family bonding, jigsaw puzzles remain one of the world’s most enduring pastimes.

FAQ: The First Jigsaw Puzzle

Q: Who invented the first jigsaw puzzle?
A: John Spilsbury, a British engraver, in 1762.

Q: What was the first puzzle made of?
A: Wood, with a map glued on and hand-cut with a fretsaw.

Q: When did cardboard puzzles become popular?
A: Early 1900s, when companies like Parker Brothers mass-produced them.

Q: What’s the hardest jigsaw puzzle ever made?
A: "The Clearly Impossible Puzzle" (all clear pieces) is considered one of the toughest.

Q: Are wooden puzzles still made today?
A: Yes! Luxury brands like Liberty Puzzles  gardenscapes and Artifact Puzzles craft high-end wooden puzzles.

Now that you know the history—why not try assembling a puzzle yourself?