1977 Japan, set of 40.
Takara "puzzle" cards; they came in puzzles made in Japan in 1977. Each puzzle (there were 8 different) contained a pack of 6 cards. This is a very tough set to complete, these cards are very hard to find.
The 8 puzzles are:
Award Ceremony (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
Luke, Landspeeder, Droids, Escape Pod (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
R2-D2 and C-3PO in Control Room (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
R2-D2 and C-3PO on Tatooine (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
R2-D2 on Tatooine (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
Stormtroopers in Corridor (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
Stormtroopers Stop Speeder (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
X-Wing in Hanger (Takara, 108 pieces, boxed)
The following are pictures of a complete puzzle (front and back) with all contents, including the oversized special insert card. The small packet of crystals would be mixed with water and spread over the final puzzle to keep it together permanently for display. Also pictured are sample cards (3 of the 6 that came in one pack, fronts and backs) and the empty packet.
The following are some pictures of a Takara puzzle display, from a shop in Japan in 2008, taken by my friend Mario. This display with 17 puzzles (including one special "sample" puzzle) was priced at $4,000 USD so unfortunately neither myself or Mario could afford to buy it. The shop owner would not sell the puzzles separately.
