The Walt Disney Company is one of the most recognized brands on the planet. From entertainment to how people vacation, Disney has found a way to be a part of almost everything. This October, Walt Disney Animation officially turns 100 -- an incredible feat. While Disney himself did not create Mickey Mouse for a few more years, the mouse himself would be the character to put Disney on the map.
Prior to Mickey, Walt had created a number of impressive animated shorts including the Alice Comedies, which blended live action and animation - something not many people had even dreamed about in 1923! From there, Disney and his group of animators would continue to push the boundaries of animation. While Mr. Disney himself is no longer with us, his legacy and curiosity still live on today.
Ub Iwerks Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse Animation Drawing
When it comes to holy grail Disney items, an original Ub Iwerks Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse drawing is arguably the grail to own. Steamboat Willie was the first public Mickey Mouse cartoon, and even more impressive was that it was the first cartoon with sound. Prior to Steamboat Willie, Plane Crazy was shown to test audiences.
Steamboat Willie made Disney and Mickey a household name. To this day, the cartoon is used in merchandise, in park meet and greets, and the iconic clip of Mickey turning the steamboat's wheel while whistling is used before most Disney animated films.
Ub Iwerks himself is celebrated as being the animator who really gave Mickey his look. Iwerks was one of the original animators to work with Disney even before Mickey, and while he did leave Disney in 1930, he eventually found his way back. Iwerks' contribution to animation can not be understated, and this original drawing is simply amazing.
Heritage notes this item as being in Very Good condition. This is not the first time animation drawings from Steamboat Willie made their way to Heritage. In February of 2022 another drawing from the cartoon sold for $18,000. That same month, an animated drawing of Minnie sold for $13,200. I absolutely believe this drawing will end around $18,000, if not higher.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Original Production Cel
1981's Who Censored Roger Rabbit was published in 1981, to moderate success. The book explored what life would be like with comic strip characters working with real people. In 1988, Disney released Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which combines cartoon characters from Disney and WB with real people. The book and movie differ vastly, with the book being arguably much darker. The movie is still a ton of fun to watch and has some great performances in it. Certain characters from the movie would become Disney icons, such as the glamorous Jessica Rabbit.
While there are several cells of Jessica in this auction, this one stood out to me. This cell features Jessica and Roger tied up, with Jessica's eyes being open almost all the way. The cell is technically a piece of good girl art! Other cells from this sequence have sold on Heritage before. In February 2022 one sold for $19,200. A cell with Jessica tied to roller coaster tracks sold for $13,200. Prior to that similar cells have sold for less than $10K, so it is possible that this one could potentially go for less.
The Little Mermaid Ariel and Sebastian Production Cell
The Little Mermaid kickstarted the Disney Renaissance in 1989. This 10-year period saw some of the very best that Disney has ever produced, including Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. The Little Mermaid reimagined the otherwise dark fairytale and brought Disney back on the map.
This movie came out when I was very young, but I absolutely loved it and had a ton of Ariel toys. Ariel is one of the most popular Disney Princesses to this day. Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid has been making waves in the box office, and is a real treat for new and returning fans as well!
This scene in the movie is after Ariel traded her voice for human legs to Ursula. Sebastian has begrudgingly agreed to help her find her prince, and Ariel couldn't be happier. This hand-painted cell is beautiful, with bright bold colors. Heritage notes that this cell is in Very Good condition, though there is some minor handling. Animation cells from this movie typically sell between $6 - $10K, with a handful going for much higher. If you're a fan of classic hand-drawn animation, do not let this one go!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Southern Dairies PR Kit
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first animated feature film, and a technological achievement all in one. The movie would elevate Disney to new heights, and would also become a marking machine. Disney's first licensee, Kay Kamen, also had an eye for promotional items. Kamen's skills potentially saved the company countless times with his marking business sense. This promotional kit for Southern Dairies ice cream is a unique look at vintage advertising. This lot contains 15 sample items, including a banner, character prints of the famed cast eating ice cream, and more.
Heritage notes that this lot is Very Good, an impressive feat. Promotional and advertising items from this era vary in price, but I think a safe end price would be around $2K. This item is still considered vintage, but by 2038 it will be an antique, which could bolster its value. If you're a collector, this is a great piece to buy.
There are over a thousand items in this auction, including Walt Disney signatures, Mary Blair art, and so much more. If you are a Disney fan or appreciate pop culture, check out the entire auction here!
