Barkis is Willin’

A Tuck/Message Zag-Zaw puzzle from London, England 1930's. Plywood, interlocking , cut with 23 figure pieces including the message: “Happy Birthday”. Barkis is suitor of Clara Peggotty. From Ch. 5, Dickens’ "David Copperfield": “’Ah!’ he said, slowly turning his eyes toward me [David Copperfield]. ‘Well’! If you was writin’ to her, p’raps you’d recollect to say that Barkis is willin’, would you?”  Barkis is, of course, illiterate.  A scan of the puzzle with the figure pieces removed is also displayed to highlight the message. Artist: Harold Copping.