Quick Lunch Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  Quick Lunch Jigsaw Puzzle Amazon link

Quick Lunch Jigsaw Puzzle

Majestic from Springbok
Random Cut
1000 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 30.25” x 24.125”

Quick Lunch Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Quick Lunch Jigsaw Puzzle

Majestic from Springbok
Random Cut
1000 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 30.25” x 24.125”

Quick Lunch Jigsaw Puzzle

Majestic from Springbok
Random Cut
1000 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 30.25” x 24.125”

My (advancing) Newbie Difficulty Rating: with patience, Moderate  

I love this retro, nostalgic picture. (I’m old enough to remember soda fountains.) There was one thing about this puzzle I did not love at all. But even so, it only modestly compared to the fun I enjoyed watching the picture come together.

Quality: The good: Sturdy, square, deep box. Inside, only a sealed bag of pieces, no poster. Full illustration is on the box top. Color match to pieces was fine. There was little puzzle dust. The bad and truly weird: 

Quick Lunch Jigsaw Puzzle

Majestic from Springbok
Random Cut
1000 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 30.25” x 24.125”

The pieces — or more accurately not the random shapes, but how they were cut out! They were solid, had a nice thickness and some sheen, but the fit was not accurate. Many pieces had to be pushed, sometimes almost mashed, into place and then squished together to get the seams lined up. With all that, there were areas with loose piece fit. Puzzle pick up was a fail. Looking closely at the pieces, although only one was actually pealing apart (repaired with a bit of glue), I could see wrinkles in the illustration layer. Just a few pieces were still attached at the very corners. One of the frame piece’s straight edge had a concave curve! (see arrow at photo) In my uneducated to production opinion, something went amiss during the cutting process. Difficult to love any of that! Back to the good: There were no false fits, and no pieces were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. It wasn’t difficult to distinguish the items, so I sub-sorted everything!: the Coke signage, the menu board, the quick lunch banner, the sandwich, the clothes, the skin, the hands holding the bottles, the stool, the shoes and socks, the coke bottle glass and contents, the black background, and the white line that created an inside frame. The entire outer frame is red, and takes up 2 rows, so aside from the edge pieces, there was also a small red sort. One thing to note - the copyright info is not in the same place as shown in the box pic.

Construction: I did not build the outer frame first. Instead, I built the inner white outline and worked from that. The left side went together fairly easily, if not quickly, piecing from the top down. The Quick Lunch banner was a bit tricky to put together, the coke bottle, especially the logo, also tricky, took the most time. There was always satisfying progress; the smashing, mashing and squishing, not quite as satisfying. Last to be built was the red frame — so many red pieces! More than 108 inches of red piecing! ! It took quite some time. Those were the only pieces I bothered to line up by shape. It was probably the random cut that kept there from being false fits.

Final thoughts: I apologize for the photo quality. I repositioned and reshot it several times but was unable to diminish the cut seams. About the nicely priced Majestic line of puzzles - the Springbok info describes this line as including both cardboard and wood puzzles, some of which will be ribbon cut. I like random cut, but I was expecting this one to be ribbon cut. Turns out it is the wood ones that are ribbon cut, which is strange given the unusual piece shapes in most wooden puzzles. At any rate, despite the piece fit issue, I did have fun. I can’t speak to the wooden selection, but I am hard pressed to recommend the cardboard puzzles in this newer addition to the Springbok line up.

My grades: Quality B-, Fun Factor A-



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About: Springbok

A Rich Legacy in Jigsaw Puzzles

In the world of jigsaw puzzles, few names evoke a sense of nostalgia and quality quite like Springbok. With a rich history spanning several decades, Springbok has established itself as a prominent and beloved puzzle brand. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of Springbok, its connection with Hallmark, its unique puzzle qualities, and the diverse range of puzzles it produces.

Origins and Hallmark Connection

Springbok traces its roots back to the 1960s when founders Robert and Katie Lewin embarked on a mission to create high-quality jigsaw puzzles. Initially, the company focused on creating puzzles with exceptional imagery and intricate designs. In 1963, Springbok caught the attention of Hallmark Cards, a renowned greeting card company. Recognizing the potential of Springbok puzzles, Hallmark acquired the company, infusing it with resources and expertise while retaining its commitment to craftsmanship.

Superior Quality and Craftsmanship

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Springbok puzzles is their superior quality. Known for their thick, sturdy pieces, Springbok puzzles are crafted to withstand multiple assemblies, ensuring longevity and durability. The company takes pride in using eco-friendly materials and adheres to rigorous production standards, resulting in puzzles that stand the test of time.

Another hallmark of Springbok puzzles is their precision-cut pieces. The company employs a unique interlocking technique, ensuring that each piece fits seamlessly with its neighbors. This precision cut not only enhances the puzzle assembly experience but also allows for a visually appealing final result.

Diverse Puzzle Collection

Springbok offers a wide array of puzzles, catering to various interests and skill levels. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a fan of classic art, or someone who enjoys whimsical designs, Springbok has something for everyone. Their puzzle themes encompass breathtaking landscapes, nostalgic scenes, vibrant wildlife, iconic landmarks, and much more.

Additionally, Springbok is known for producing specialty puzzles that go beyond the traditional rectangular shape. Their shaped puzzles, often featuring unique silhouettes that complement the image, add an extra layer of challenge and visual appeal. These distinctive puzzles are a testament to Springbok's commitment to innovation and creativity.

Continued Legacy and Dedication

Over the years, Springbok has continued to uphold its legacy as a provider of high-quality puzzles. The company has remained true to its mission of crafting puzzles that delight and engage puzzlers of all ages. Through their collaboration with Hallmark, Springbok has consistently delivered puzzles that capture the imagination and spark joy in the hearts of puzzle enthusiasts.

Springbok's commitment to excellence extends beyond the puzzles themselves. The company understands that assembling puzzles is not only a hobby but also a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. They strive to create puzzles that foster a sense of togetherness, whether it's a family gathering, a quiet evening at home, or a social activity among friends.

In Conclusion

Springbok's history is woven with a passion for puzzles, an unwavering dedication to quality, and a commitment to capturing the essence of visual art. From their partnership with Hallmark to their reputation for superior craftsmanship and diverse puzzle offerings, Springbok has earned its place as a beloved brand in the world of jigsaw puzzles.

As you embark on your puzzle-solving adventures, consider exploring the captivating collection of Springbok puzzles, where creativity, quality, and a rich legacy converge.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)