The Jungle Play Tray

A plywood wooden jigsaw puzzle from Victory over a long time period, from at least 1937 to 1952, and probably during the 1960's and 1970's. The c1937 catalogue said that “tiny tots will love these bright play-trays”. The 12 animals (or 10 soldiers) stand proud of the background so children can pick them up easily and the base of the box falls away to make it easier for the tray to be removed.

Jungle TZ7 is one of four titles in the range of trays, each measuring about 15.5x9in and costing 3s 6d. The others are TK7 Farm Animals; TD7 Dogs and TX7 Soldiers. (A very similar series TZ6 etc had a tray with grooved edges for 4s 6d). The 1952 catalogue positioned them for 2-4 year olds, “ideal for children who are a little too young for any but the simplest jig-saw puzzles”. They used the same artworks as the Cut-Out series.

The T7 jigsaw seems to have been repositioned because its box states it “is intended for children 4-8 years old”. The interlocking jigsaw sits in a tray frame with matching wavy edge, and its 12 cut outs stand proud of the background by 2-3mm. Its date of manufacture is not known, but before 1970. (The jigsaw belongs to Geoff Rushworth.)

Artist: Unsigned
Date:
Brand: Victory
Material: Plywood
Nationality: British-England
Range: Children’s Play Trays
Number: TK7
Pieces:
Size: 15.5" x 9"
Theme: Wildlife, 3D-enhanced
Title: The "Victory" Jungle Play Tray