The date of 1933 is most likely as Bradman refers to his five year career in the testimonial. He began his first class career in 1929.

It is probable that this jigsaw was sold or given away as a promotion for Malvern Star. By the early 1930s Bradman had already broken several first class batting records and was a sporting hero in Australia, and his endorsement would have carried considerable weight. The jigsaw is significant as an early example of a commercial endorsement by an Australian sports star. It was possibly one of the few examples of the amateur Bradman profiting from his cricket success. Bradman was paid as a cricketing journalist during the 1930s Depression but he told Ray Martin in 1996 that he disliked making money from cricket and later quit journalism to move to South Australia to become a share broker. (Bradman Trust interview televised on Channel 9 Sydney May 29 1996)

Jigsaw and box, Don Bradman and Malvern Star, paper/wood/cardboard, Australia, 1930-1940.

Jigsaw puzzle made from paper stuck onto three ply wooden board in 51 interlocking puzzle pieces. The image shows a photograph of Don Bradman in a suit inspecting a cricket bat with a Malvern Star bicycle in front of him. Bradman appears to be standing in the middle of a cricket ground. His head and hands and the bicycle are coloured while the rest of the photograph is black and white. It may be a composite photograph. The picture is signed 'Yours Sincerly/ Don Bradman'. The jigsaw has a blue border with white stars. On a red band at the top are the words 'Two World Famed Champions/ DON BRADMAN and MALVERN STAR'. Below the image is another red band with a lengthy testimonial by Bradman to the benefits of bike riding and Malvern Star entitled 'READ DON BRADMAN'S APPRECIATION'.

The box is made of one piece of cardboard and features the jigsaw image on the top.

Made: Australia; 1930 - 1940

99/4/62

1930 - 1940