Pastime Puzzles by Parker Brothers (1908-1958) were premium, hand-cut wooden jigsaw puzzles known for their intricate designs, featuring "figurals" (whimsical shapes like animals, people, or objects) cut along color lines, creating challenging, artful puzzles with well-interlocking pieces, made by skilled female artisans using scroll saws in Salem, Massachusetts.

Key Characteristics:

Material & Manufacture: Made of sturdy 3-ply wood, hand-cut by women ("Pastime Girls") with treadle-powered scroll saws, often cutting around image details for added difficulty.

Figural Pieces (Figurals): A hallmark feature, with about 12 unique, shaped pieces (like animals, people, or symbols) per 100 pieces, blending into the picture.

Cutting Style: Pieces were often cut precisely along color lines (e.g., around faces or objects), making assembly harder and more satisfying.

Interlocking: Pieces featured distinctive loops and locks, allowing for tight fits, though some non-interlocking styles existed.

Art & Subjects: Featured beautiful artwork, from landscapes and portraits to popular themes, often based on paintings or magazine covers, appealing to adults.

Branding: Produced by Parker Brothers, they came in various sizes, often with pictorial boxes, and were considered high-quality, collectible items.