Dissected map of India

This map of India with its attractive box has been cut along the borders of the administrative districts and states. The map is one published by Gall & Inglis but the dissection is by William Peacock. He was a prolific publisher of 'dissected puzzles in the last quarter of the nineteenth century' (Hannas, p. 42) but always used maps published by others. The light colouring on the map designating British, French or Portuguese territory has faded. The box label features several figures and examples of industry; there is also a shipping scene. This style of label is typical of Peacock's work. Peacock's dissected puzzles overlapped with the introduction of interlocking jigsaw puzzles.

John Spilsbury is accredited with the invention of dissected puzzles as a method of bringing some enjoyment into the learning of geography. Map makers had for a number of years been using their maps as the basis for educational games: Spilsbury was the apprentice for one of these, Thomas Jefferys an engraver and map-maker. In 1763 he established his own business and three years later issued his own development on the geographical game: mounting the map on a thin wooden board, and cutting around the borders of the countries he produced the first dissected puzzle. This was boxed and sold for children to re-assemble.

Spilsbury died several years later, but others took advantage of his idea and the dissected puzzle trade grew quickly. Maps remained popular as the basis for the puzzles: Europe, England, Africa, the world, but historical themes followed soon after and later fun puzzles based on literature or rhymes were issued. Maps however remained popular and enjoyed a large market share.

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