Buffalo Games 3D Spherical Puzzle - Antique Globe

by Buffalo Games

Product Features

• 3-D globe stands on its own with no internal support
• Unlike most other 3-D globes, this one is made from actual jigsaw puzzle pieces
• 100% made in the United States
• Bonus poster inside

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 3.1 x 8 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JL65
• Item model number: 153
• Our recommended age: 10 years and up
• Manufacturer recommended age: 14 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,317 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

No ordinary jigsaw, this puzzle assembles into a 9.5-inch globe with a surface image created from old mariner's charts. To enable freestanding rigidity, the extra-thick cardboard pieces are designed to fit together a mite more snugly than typical puzzle pieces. There are two construction methods: tough (use the numbers and arrows on the back of each piece as a guide) and really, really tough (just use the map image on the front). The specially designed "trap door" at the north pole allows you to master the fiddly but oh-so-satisfying last piece. Cardboard base and full instructions are included. --Richard Farr

Product Description

Join early explorers as they set sail to discover that - Holy Cow! - the world is actually round! This spectacular three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle defies gravity as it forms a spherical miracle! Antique design is based on real ancient mariners' charts! The pieces are specially designed to create an actual sphere. The last piece - the North Pole piece - has a trap door that snaps into place when you're done! Puzzle includes 530 pieces, a display stand, and piece by piece instructions. Time to sail around the world! Finished puzzle is 9.5 in diameter.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun When Done, October 26, 2002

By 

R. Sage "What? Me Worry?" (Suburbia, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Buffalo Games 3D Spherical Puzzle - Antique Globe (Toy)

This was a bit of a challenge to put together, but when finished is very cool. I think the only way to put these together is to follow the nunbers on the back. The instructions say to build a row of pieces, then attach the row, but I found it easier to put one piece at a time. Every few rows glue it on the inside as you go with watered down Elmers, let dry, then continue. Do 50-100 pieces per day and you'll have a nice sturdy, cool looking globe. I hung mine from the ceiling.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a very good idea for a puzzle, May 19, 2003

By 

Guillermo Alzuru "camagual" (Athens, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Buffalo Games 3D Spherical Puzzle - Antique Globe (Toy)

Pieces do not attach to each other easily; pieces which go next to each other sometimes do not have a continuing line, color or drawing, therefore it's impossible to match them, unless you see the numbers on their back, but that is not my idea of making a puzzle. The assembly is a nightmare.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More annoying than fun, July 20, 2008

By 

Alexandra Katakis "puzzle lover" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Buffalo Games 3D Spherical Puzzle - Antique Globe (Toy)

Having completed other spherical jigsaws, I was greatly looking forward to this one. However, upon first opening the package, I noticed that all the pieces were flat, meaning they won't fit together exactly. Annoying, but acceptable to me, at least. However, after I put together the first row using the numbers on the back of the pieces, I turned it over to find that the images printed on the pieces didn't even align with other pieces. A map where the edges of the continents don't align, and the print can't be deciphered? This puzzle can only be completed by the numbers printed on the back, and the completed product leaves room for improvement.

For those who don't mind spending the extra money, I recommend Ravensburger's 540 pc Historical Globe, another spherical puzzle with an old-fashioned world map. Ravensburger Puzzleballs are made from slightly rounded plastic pieces. Not only is the finished product more durable, but I found it to be a much easier assembly process. The pieces fit together exactly, and the image is clear enough that the numbered backs don't need to be used.