Although the word “jigsaw” didn’t exist before the jig saw was invented in the late Victorian age, such puzzles did exist, cut out with marquetry saws. They were called “dissected maps.” Here’s an image of one. Apparently, puzzles go back to the 1700’s, when they were primarily maps cut along the borders of the countries/counties, etc. You can read all about the history of puzzles on a site called “Bob Armstrong’s Old Jigsaw Puzzles,” so I won’t bore you with it, but they are fascinating. I even saw them mentioned in a period account as a popular gift for loved ones on Valentine’s Day. I still haven’t put one in a book (that I remember), but maybe one day!
