“Cannibal & Missionary” Advertising Dexterity Puzzle
$ 31.68
Description
“Cannibal & Missionary” Advertising Dexterity Puzzle. Title Mid-Century Reissue Advertising Dexterity Puzzle – Cannibal Cooking Missionary, Georges & Colette Coiffure-Mode, Sarre-Union. Four small white beads are to be placed into the rising “steam” positions above the pot. Post-War French/German Border Reissue “Cannibal & Missionary” Advertising Dexterity Puzzle, ca. 1948–1955 Title Mid-Century Reissue Advertising Dexterity Puzzle – Cannibal Cooking Missionary, Georges & Colette Coiffure-Mode, Sarre-Union Physical Description Circular edge-driven dexterity puzzle reproducing the notorious pre-war design: a caricatured “cannibal” with bone in hair stirring a cauldron containing a European missionary, while a second figure holds a spear. Four small white beads are to be placed into the rising “steam” positions above the pot. Yellowish background with simple landscape. Plain aluminium rim; reverse embossed in raised lettering: “GEORGES & COLETTE / COIFFURE MODE / SARRE UNION”. Materials Colour lithographed paper under glass, four white glass beads, aluminium rim and back. Dimensions Diameter: 50 mm (approximately 2 inches) Thickness: approx. 6 mm Condition Very good to excellent for a post-war piece. Lithography shows light even toning and minor surface wear, but colours are markedly stronger and the printing sharper than on genuine 1930s originals – consistent with 1950s production. Glass clean, aluminium with only light scuffs and a few small edge knocks. All four original beads present. Embossed advertising text crisp and fully legible. Likely Manufacturer France/Western Germany (Alsace-Lorraine or Saar region), ca. 1948–1955. Produced as a small-run reissue by a local or regional novelty maker reusing the pre-war image (or plates) for the surviving Georges & Colette salon in Sarre-Union. Aluminium construction and the cleaner overall appearance are typical of early post-war French and border-German production. Historical Context & Significance After World War II a handful of the most infamous pre-war “cannibal” dexterity designs were quietly reissued in tiny quantities, primarily in the French-German border region, before changing social attitudes made them unsalable by the late 1950s. These post-war versions are distinguished by brighter colours, aluminium rather than nickel-plated brass, and noticeably less wear. Examples retaining the original shop advertising are exceedingly uncommon today.
