Jan van Haasteren Rare puzzle Rick the Frog 'The Three Musketeers' – 20 Pieces

This is a rare puzzle.

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Name PuzzleRick the Frog 'The Three Musketeers'
Price€ 250 - € 270
Number of Pieces20 Pieces
NumberNo number
Year of Issue1967
Issue byPin Quin
draftsman Jan van Haasteren
DescriptionIn 2013, two Jan van Haasteren fans visited him, and it was revealed that the 20-piece wooden puzzle "The Diving Mole" (Number 1) was officially drawn by Jan van Haasteren! However, in February 2026, it was revealed that another puzzle in this same Pin Kwin series (the series consists of three puzzles) was drawn by Jan van Haasteren, and that it was, this one, titled "The Three Musketeers" (Number 3). This is also a 20-piece wooden puzzle by Pin Kwin, made in 1967. The other puzzle in this series, "The Ice Cream Seller" (Number 2), was not drawn by Jan van Haasteren, but by another artist from the Dollywood studio.

Joop Geesink – The man behind Rick the Frog

Joop Geesink (1913–1984) was a Dutch pioneer in puppet film and animation. He began his career as a designer and set builder but later founded his own studio: Dollywood Studios. From there, he produced numerous commercials and puppet films that received international recognition for their creative style and technical quality. Geesink was known for his unique stop-motion technique and his sense of humor and personality. His work formed an important part of Dutch television culture in the 60s and 70s. He later became known as the creator of Loeki the Lion, the popular lion from television commercials.

Rick the Frog – The TV Series

In 1967, Joop Geesink introduced the puppet series "Rick the Frog" on Dutch television. The series consisted of short episodes in which the cheerful frog Rick had all sorts of adventures in a colorful fantasy world. The production used stop-motion puppets, with an eye for detail and a charming presence that was characteristic of Geesink's style. The series was broadcast by the TROS and quickly gained recognition for its cheerful songs, humor, and recognizable puppet animation. In addition to the television broadcasts, comic strip versions of "Rick the Frog" were also published, illustrated by artists including Jan van Haasteren.

From television to puzzle

Around the same time, various forms of Rick the Frog merchandise appeared, such as keychains, mugs, and puzzles. The 20-piece wooden puzzle made by the brand Pin Kwin in 1967 is a wonderful example. The bottom left corner of the puzzle is marked "Copyright Joop Geesink," confirming its official connection to the series. It's an extremely rare puzzle and a beautiful wooden example. If you're lucky, you might see it pop up on Marktplaats or other secondhand platforms.

Jan van Haasteren & Geesink Studio & Rick the Frog

Around 1966, Jan van Haasteren started working at Geesink Studio. He drew Rick the Frog for this studio, along with Frits Kloezeman and Ton Beek. Rick the Frog appeared in 1967 in the commercial comic magazine "Heintje," published by Albert Heijn. Jan van Haasteren drew the frogs and other characters, and Frits Kloezeman designed the backgrounds.

Dimensions of this puzzle

The dimensions of this small puzzle are approximately 15cm x 20cm and it is a wooden puzzle

Unofficial - the first puzzle drawn by Jan van Haasteren? "The Diving Mole"

Rick the Frog's 'Diving Mole' is unofficially considered Jan van Haasteren's first puzzle! But now (as of February 1, 2026) this puzzle of "The Three Musketeers" will be automatically added!

Jan van Haasteren and Rick the Frog puzzles - the series

This Rick the Frog puzzle, titled "The Three Musketeers," is part of a series of three puzzles. The three Rick the Frog puzzles in this series are:

It wasn't until February 2026 that it was revealed that the puzzle "The Three Musketeers" was also designed by Jan van Haasteren. This was verified by a Jan van Haasteren fan with Jan van Haasteren's daughter, Saskia van Haasteren, who confirmed it.

Jan van Haasteren & Rick the Frog - All series

Several series of puzzles have been published by the 'Pin Kwin' brand, but as of March 2026, it is unknown which puzzles were designed by Jan van Haasteren. The complete overview can be seen in the following table:

ImageSeries No. & Puzzle No.NameSigned by JvH?
1 - 1Rick the Frog 'The Cook'Unknown
1 - 2Rick the Frog 'The Cart'Unknown
1 - 3Rick the Frog 'The Car'Unknown
2 - 1Rick the Frog 'Swimming Lesson'Unknown
2 - 2Rick the Frog 'The Music Lesson'Unknown
2 - 3Rick the Frog 'The Roller Coaster'Unknown
3 - 1 Rick the Frog 'The Diving Mole' Ja
3 - 2Rick the Frog 'The Ice Cream Seller'No
3 - 3 Rick the Frog 'The Three Musketeers' Ja


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