Disney Memorabilia

Continuing a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Post Office, there is a new series of stamps available to collectors which are based upon the theme of "magic". The Magic series is the fourth in "The Art of Disney" series which also includes the themes of friendship (2004), celebrations (2005), and romance (2006).
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Activities with Disney Movie 'Cars' are so many to match with the huge movie itself. The popular comedy movie was a huge hit with the audience. So popular were activities related to it. People enjoyed being attached to it. [Read more →]

Up for auction on eBay this week are a number of large fiberglass characters formerly used as display items in Disney stores and movie theatres. The seller does not offer any insight as to how he obtained the items, but all of them appear to be in great shape (i.e. not forcefully removed from their previous location).

This is a fun opportunity for Disneyana fans who can afford opening bids in the $500 range for each character. Since the pieces are made of fiberglass, they could be displayed indoors or outdoors. This makes them perfect for creating your own mini-theme park or playground. It’s definitely not everyday that you have the opportunity to purchase an 8x8x6 replica of Bruce the Shark from “Finding Nemo”!

Here are some of the characters for sale – independent listings for each. Click on links to view auction page.

Bruce the Shark
Originally used as a movie theatre display. Includes a complete scene recreation with smaller replicas of Nemo and Tad.

Pain
Created as a retail display for Disney stores. This character from the movie Hercules measures approximately 3x2x2.

Panic
Another character from Hercules measuring in at 37”x40”x42”

Dalmatian Puppy
Cute blue-pawed puppy from 101 Dalmatians. Measures almost 2 feet tall.

Cruella
The infamous villain from 101 Dalmatians. Over 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

These are very unique collectibles that are sure to be great conversation pieces for any setting. Note that these are not my pieces and therefore I cannot answer any questions about them. However, if you buy one, I would love to hear where you are going to display it!

A gentleman named Ray sent me an email looking for help identifying some unique Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wood cutouts he purchased at an estate auction. Here is a description of the pieces…

“I acquired a set of snow white & the 7 dwarfs at an estate auction. I remember seeing something like this along time ago as a child, but can't remember where. They are unmarked and the dwarf figures are painted on some type of fiber board which has
a triangular board to help them stand up. The snow white piece is painted on wood and is about 4' tall and the dwarfs are about 2'. I have searched ebay, tias, goantiques and found nothing that is of this style or vintage. Can you help? I’ve attached some pics, but have all 7 dwarfs. An arm is missing from snow white. Any assistance would be appreciated.”

I have included one of the pictures below. If you have any information about these items, please comment below and follow up with Ray directly at winjamerk@yahoo.com.

Thanks - Disneyman

I received an email from a fellow collector looking to identify some Duff Tweed wood carved items. Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with the works of Duff Tweed, but apparently he was an artist commissioned by Disney in the 60’s and 70’s. I followed up with the gentleman (Brad) and mentioned I would post his inquiry on our site in hopes of finding someone who knows more. Here is an excerpt from his email describing the pieces…

“The pieces are four carved pieces of a western band know as the Slaughter House
Four from Prestscot Az.. They are approx. 13" high and mounted and framed all original. Each piece has the biography of the subject written by Duff and signed on the back. This is deteriorating because of the time involved. They were given to the family as a business gift from Tennessee Ernie Ford in 1959 or 60? Thanks again, I hope this spurs some interest and price is really a mystery at this point but I believe de was a popular and very collectable at one time, so?”

If you have any information about Brad’s items, please leave a comment below (to enlighten us all) and email Brad at bearbbbb@msn.com

Thanks – Disneyman

It is hard to imagine in our modern era of plastic novelties, but some of the best selling Disney toys in the 1920’s and 1930’s were actually made of tin.  The primary manufacturer of these products was Ohio Art.  Ohio Art revolutionized metal lithography as they expanded on their original process of creating wood-grained metal sheets, which were molded into picture frames.  The frames were an instant success and the company quickly grew.  Founder Henry Simon Winzeler saw the opportunity to diversify his product line and soon entered the toy manufacturing market.  He teamed with Disney and other brand partners to create a full line of tin lithograph products. [Read more →]

Robert Olszewski is best known to Disneyana collectors as the man behind the Disney Storytime Collection of figurines.  Robert’s story is filled with artistic accomplishments beyond his well known Disney works.  You can read his full bibliography on his website.

Robert first became involved with Disney while working as a figurine designer at Goebel.  He designed a number of figurines under the Disney Goebel line, including the first figurine designed specifically for a Disneyana convention in 1994.  After leaving Goebel to start his own studio, Olszewski was signed on with Disney in 1995 to develop prototypes for their Enchanted Places line.  These miniature figurines were sold within the Walt Disney Classics Collection. [Read more →]