Boy with ability to imagine the whole object from only viewing one small isolated component

[PeterSansom]

It was a short SF story from, I would be quite sure, pre 1970. It involved a young boy who had the ability to imagine what was the entire object, from just viewing/holding one small part of that object. The story involved his finding, or being given, a small foreign object found in a field (?) and him then extrapolating out to determine that this small component was from an alien space ship, which I think he portrayed in some way, can't recall how, maybe drew it or described it in detail. Can't remember how the story ended, but that was the main thrust - from small unrecognisable item, boy extrapolates out to alien spaceship. Does this story ring any bells with anybody please?

 

[The Judge]

Rings no bells with me, sorry. But I'll move this over to our dedicated Book Search section, where we keep our most knowledgeable members penned, just waiting for the chance to puzzle over long-lost stories such as this one! Fingers crossed someone there will be able to help.

And now you're here, and clearly love SF, have a look around at our other threads. We're always happy to meet new people and talk SF/discuss what we've read recently!

 

[Parson]

Okay, I know I've read it too, but like you I haven't a clue as to when or where. I'll be interested to see if we have the answer to this.