Year of issue: 1926
Issued by: “The Gem Library” (Amalgamated Press)
Trade reference number(s): uncatalogued
Number of cards in set: n/a
Size: approximately 240mm x 240mm
Approximate value (per card): Murrays unlisted; FCCM unlisted
The “Gem” Footer Puzzle was a ‘one-off’ gift on 25th September and was a large sheet of paper (240mm x 240mm) which was a folding puzzle. Sixteen footballers appeared together with their name and team, the aim being to fold the paper so that all sixteen appeared facing outwards , the right way up and on the same ‘face’ of the folded paper. I think that the fact that this was meant to be folded offers the reason as to why so few have survived; it was flimsy to start with and after even just a few attempts it would have begun to become rather delicate, especially with the circular holes in it. I had searched for one of these for some years now – I know of only two in existence – and Paul Briers finally parted with his in late 2018 for a very reasonable £20. And just so that you know, I have scanned and reproduced it in order to have a go at solving the puzzle and, although it is quite tricky, I managed it. 🙂
The featured players are:
- C.M. Buchan (Arsenal)
- W.H. Walker (Aston Villa)
- J. Bradford (Birmingham)
- S. Puddefoot (Blackburn Rovers)
- Joe Smith (Bolton Wanderers)
- J. Hill (Burnley)
- Howard-Baker (Chelsea)
- A.L. Morton (Glasgow Rangers)
- C. Stephenson (Huddersfield Town)
- F. Roberts (Manchester City)
- F. Barson (Manchester United)
- J. Lansdale (Millwall)
- J.G. Cock (Plymouth Argyle)
- W. Gillespie (Sheffield United)
- T. Clay (Tottenham Hotspur)
- J. Ruffell (West Ham)
