Early Mickey Mouse doll could realize $50,000
One of the first Mickey Mouse dolls ever produced, including Walt Disney’s signature, is one of the lots coming before bidders June 18 through Van Eaton Galleries.
LOS ANGELES — Van Eaton Galleries is presenting an extensive collection of rare and historic Disney memorabilia. The Collecting Disney auction takes place June 18 at Van Eaton Galleries, 13613 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, California, beginning 11 a.m. PT.
Collecting Disney features items from some of the finest collections in the world. With memorabilia dating from the very beginning of Walt Disney Studio, to expansion into feature film and beyond. The auction will feature more than 700 items, including some never-seen-before pieces.
In addition to in-person, phone and absentee bids, Internet bidding will be available at vegalleries.com and icollector.com.
Among the highlights is an original score for the first song written about Mickey Mouse ($15,000-$20,000); several early original drawings by animator Ub Iwerks from the first two Mickey Mouse cartoons ever made, “Steamboat Willie” and “Plane Crazy” ($4,000-$6,000); one of the first Mickey Mouse Dolls ever made, hand-signed by Walt Disney ($25,000-$50,000); and a rare premiere program for Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs signed by Walt Disney and more than 50 members of the studio staff ($5,000-$10,000).
Additional lots garnering attention ahead of the sale include Mickey and Minnie Animated Old King Cole window displays ($50,000-$75,000); a complete Kem Weber designed Disney Studio office including an animator’s desk, “airline chair,” closet and floor lamps ($60,000-$80,000); an original Charlotte Clark Mickey Mouse doll ($3,000-$5,000); and a “Babes in Toyland” prop soldier ($18,000-$20,000).
A portion of the Collecting Disney auction will benefit the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases [www.annetteconnection/About-the-Research-Fund.php].
Annette Funicello landed her role on The Mickey Mouse Club in 1955 at just 13 years old. Funicello’s personal Mickey Mouse Club “Mouse Ears,” as well as a Mickey Mouse Club sweater worn by her, are also being offered and will benefit her foundation.
For more information about this auction, visit www.vegalleries.com/collecting_disney, or call 818-788-2357.
