Big Ben Brand Jigsaw Puzzle Review
Big Ben, a classic vintage brand under the Milton Bradley label, is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgic art.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com —September 29, 2025*
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Big Ben puzzles have a long history under the Milton Bradley label, once one of the most recognized names in games and puzzles. For many collectors, the Big Ben name brings a wave of nostalgia, as these puzzles were widely available throughout the mid-to-late 20th century. I recently completed one of these vintage jigsaws, and while the artwork was charming, the overall quality didn’t quite measure up to modern standards.
Just The Deets!
• Piece Cut: Grid
• Piece Fit: Snug
• False Fits: No
• Piece Gauge: 1.3 mm (very thin)
• Puzzle Finish: Glossy
• Reference Poster: No
• Dust Level: Low
• Puzzle Size 1000 Piece: 26.1″ x 20.1″
• Status: No longer in production (Found in secondary markets)
• Made in China
Image Quality & Themes
The image quality on this Big Ben puzzle (specifically the 2014 edition reviewed) was surprisingly vibrant and clear for a discontinued line. Unlike the muted printing often found in older vintage puzzles, the colors here really stood out with a bold finish, making the assembly visually enjoyable.
Big Ben puzzles generally featured classic, comfortable, and recognizable imagery, making them popular with families and casual puzzlers:
Landmarks
Scenic Landscapes
Classic Americana (farms, towns, cityscapes, historic sites)
Collage Art (often by artists like Aimee Stewart)
✋ Hands On Experience
The 2014 Big Ben puzzle by Milton Bradley stands out for its vibrant artwork and eye-catching colors, making it a pleasure to assemble, but the thin, glossy pieces make handling and moving sections challenging.
The artwork on this puzzle was sharp and eye-catching, which made the assembling experience enjoyable even if the overall puzzle quality wasn’t the best. However, the pieces are quite thin at 1.3 mm, and the glossy finish can contribute to glare.
While the pieces have a snug fit and produce no false fits, they are too thin and loose to hold together firmly. This makes handling and moving assembled sections challenging, and the puzzle doesn’t hold together as well as higher-quality, thicker brands.
As these puzzles are no longer in production, they can be found in online marketplaces, puzzle swaps, and vintage shops. If you like the style of the artist Aimee Stewart, it is worth seeking out these designs despite the less-than-ideal puzzle quality.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Vibrant Artwork: Sharp images and bold colors (especially on later-era puzzles).
Nostalgia/Collectibility: Sought after by vintage puzzle enthusiasts.
Low Dust.
Snug Fit: No false fits.
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
Very Thin Pieces: Gauge is only 1.3 mm.
Glossy Finish: Prone to reflection and glare.
Loose Interlock: Difficult to move assembled sections.
Discontinued: Only available in secondary markets.
No Reference Poster.
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
I wouldn’t necessarily seek out Big Ben just for the brand name, but I recommend it if you appreciate the featured artist or collect vintage puzzles.
The vibrant visuals are impressive, but the overall puzzle quality is average due to the thin, glossy pieces. It’s a fun addition if you enjoy the specific artwork or are collecting vintage Milton Bradley items, but for quality, it doesn’t measure up to modern premium brands.
🧩 Ready to hunt for a classic, nostalgic puzzle?