Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Archives

Silent films, Walt Disney, and Michael Jordan represented at Potter and Potter’s March 28 pop culture sale

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter has announced a 626-lot Entertainment, Toys & Collectibles sale for Thursday, March 28. The sale is topped with lots tied to two iconic American celebrities. The complete catalog can now received presale bids at LiveAuctioneers.

Founded in 1988, Upper Deck was the first sports-related trading card company to address card counterfeiting by affixing a company-logo hologram to each card it made. Upper Deck sold out its entire print runs for 1989 and 1990 Major League Baseball card sets, and began a series of ‘Authenticated’ product releases with licenses with key sports figures. In 1996, Upper Deck released Wings, a panoramic print of Michael Jordan in a run of 500. Each was signed by Jordan; this example is number 282. Measuring nearly 41 by 16.5in, the lot is accompanied by an Upper Deck certificate of authenticity and other paperwork. It is estimated at $5,000-$7,000.

Sharing top-lot status in the March 28 sale is a signed copy of Walt Disney’s Sketch Book of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, estimated at $5,000-$7,000. Printed in London and Glasgow by Wm. Collins Sons & Co. in 1938, this first edition publication is signed by Disney (1901-1966) and is illustrated with Disney Studios sketches of Snow White characters and 12 mounted color plates.

Though largely forgotten today, Harry Langdon (1884-1944) was one of the most famous silent-era movie comedians, ranking with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd. A lifetime collection of 55 Langdon-related items is really the hidden gem of Potter & Potter’s sale. The tranche ranges from incredibly rare one-sheets and lobby cards to a signed contract. The leading one-sheet is for Long Pants, a 1927 First National release starring Langdon and directed by a very young Frank Capra. So acrimonious was their on-set collaboration that Capra was fired at Langdon’s demand. The one-sheet has minor restoration but is otherwise excellent, and is estimated at $1,200-$1,800.

Equal parts creepy and uniquely interesting is a 1970s-era complete Ronald McDonald costume accompanied by a selection of magic tricks that the actor who wore it would perform at birthday parties and promotional events. Made by Milwaukee’s Eder Mfg. Co., the costume has it all – shoes, wig, gown, gloves, and more. Potter & Potter notes that complete Ronald McDonald costumes are scarce. It’s estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

Michael Jordan-autographed 'Wings' Upper Deck framed print, estimated at $5,000-$7,000 at Potter & Potter.

Walt Disney-signed 'Walt Disney’s Sketch Book of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' estimated at $5,000-$7,000 at Potter & Potter.

Harry Langdon one-sheet for 'Long Pants,' estimated at $1,200-$1,800 at Potter & Potter.

Complete 1970s Ronald McDonald costume, estimated at $2,000-$4,000 at Potter & Potter.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Courvoisier Galleries saved original Disney animation cels

An original production cel of Mickey Mouse from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice sequence of Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ achieved $6,000 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2022. The cel setup was professionally restored but it retains its original Courvoisier Galleries mat. Image courtesy of Van Eaton Galleries and LiveAuctioneers.

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NEW YORK — When it comes to animation art, there is one name that has led the market since the late 1930s. Based in Los Angeles at that time, the animators at Walt Disney Studios cranked out many thousands of celluloid images, or cels, of Mickey Mouse and other now-beloved characters for cartoons and film shorts. It released its first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, just before Christmas in 1937. That film was a huge hit, but were it not for another California company — Courvoisier Galleries — much of the original artwork generated to create it might have been lost to history.

animation production cel animation production cels Bambi Courvoisier Galleries Disney Disney original animation cel Dumbo Fantasia mickey mouse Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Serbian medal, diamond ring outshine all others at Michaan’s sale

Serbian Order of the Star of Karageorge medal, $4,612

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Michaan’s monthly gallery auction, which took place September 17, comprised decorative arts spanning an array of cultures and styles, including painted Russian icons, African masks and figures, framed Disney celluloids, a variety of designer jewelry and many genres of Chinese pottery and carvings.

Chinese carved jade Chinese carved jade brush washer Chinese jade brush washer diamond ring Disney production cel Michaan's Michaan's Auctions platinum and diamond ring Serbian Order of the Star of Karageorge medal Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs production cel

R. John Wright artist dolls, Steiff bears star in Sept. 14 New York auction

R. John Wright dolls from Little Children Series I, est. $800-$1,000

NEW YORK – Yes, you can play with dolls. If anything, dolls are wasted on little kids. You know what you want, and why you want it, and your allowance is far more impressive nowadays, as it should be. Good thing, too, because the truly excellent dolls – as well as teddy bears, toys, and highly collectible playthings – would empty the piggy banks of young collectors several times over.

On Tuesday, September 14, starting at 1 pm Eastern time, Jasper52 will host a sale called Steiff, Artist Bears, Dolls, Toys and More!, featuring 315 lots of exceptional examples of everything named in the title. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Disney jasper52 Little Children I series R. John Wright Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Steiff

Original ‘Snow White’ animation cel leads July 10 Turner sale

Original animation cel from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’ mounted on a woodgrain background, estimated at $1,000-$1,500

SAN FRANCISCO – Turner Auctions + Appraisals is pleased to present a Cabinet of Curiosities sale on July 10. It will feature more than 290 lots from multiple collectors and estates, and a wide range of items from around the world, dating from the 17th century to the present day. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Allan Houser animation cel cloisonne copperplate engraving Disney Mark Catesby original animation cel Pierre Lepautre Snow White Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Turner Auctions + Appraisals Versailles

Jim Bunte

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