This rare, complete, and early puzzle map of the United States was produced by Jacob Shaffer in Philadelphia. Shaffer was one of several Philadelphia-based firms including Thomas Wagner, M.H. Traubel, and Davis, Porter & Co. who were competing against the larger Milton Bradley and McLaughlin Brothers in this growing category. The map is dated circa 1865 as Wyoming Territory had not yet been organized from Dakota Territory (here shown as attached to Dakota), and Nevada has not yet gained its southern tip from Arizona and eastern portion from Utah. The 24-piece puzzle is made from thick, 3/8" wood and is housed in a solid wood box with paper title label attached to the top featuring the United States seal. The banner is filled with a quote from Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus stating "The Eagle Suffers Little Birds To Sing."

References: Williams [The Jigsaw Puzzle] p. 24

Condition: B

The surface of the puzzle is lightly soiled with a small chip missing from one piece on the right border. There are minor abrasions and small holes in the corners from where it was presumably mounted. The original box is very good with minor soiling to title label.