Start your collection of rare Disney memorabilia
Disney cartoon movies captured our hearts since it first appeared to the public. We collect Disney movies because we love to watch them over and over again. Other people collect anything that comes from Disney movies.
The term Disneyana refers to any Disney collectible like toys, books, animation celluloid, themed-park souvenirs, etc. Disneyana hobbyists increase throughout 1980’s and 1990’s.
Previously, Disney Company licensed other manufacturing company to produce Disney figures. But in 1992, Disney Company started to produce their Disney collectible figures. Disney figurines come in different design, type, brand, materials, artist, stamp mark, etc.
Disney figurines collecting
Disney collectible figurines have a fun connotation among people. They bring childhood memories of those fun and lovable Disney cartoons or even the pleasure of vacationing at Disney World.
Disney classics collection caught not only the attention of collectors but of antique shops and collectible shops.
Some figurine Disney collection is made from porcelain and the process is similar in making Hummel figurines. Disney figurine made from porcelain is molded and fired in an oven. They are then painted and fired again.
Collectible Disney figurines spend months, or even years in the production process because Disney company make it sure that the sculpture resembles as much as possible to the original character in the movie. Others are made from glass, ceramic, plastic, clay, etc.
In January 1993, Disney introduced the Walt Disney Collectors Society. The quality and increasing values of limited Disney figures and rare Disney figurines have attracted large number of collectors. Collecting figurines of Disney reminds their youthful days and their love for the Disney characters.
In 1995 Disney launched the Enchanted Places, background scenes from the most popular animated films. To accompany the Enchanted Places series, Disney introduced (in 1996) miniature figures, designed by world renowned miniature artist Robert Olszewski.
How can I start collecting Disney figurines?
To start collecting Disneyana collectibles, the first thing to do is look for a guide that includes a wide variety of Disney collectibles. A little pocket-size Disney guide will do. There are so many Disney figurines to choose from but the better ones have detailed descriptions, photos, and item value. Disney figurines value vary in designs, shapes, sizes, materials, and brands.
Collectible Disney figures can be acquired in some online websites. There are many websites that sell Disney figurines. It could either be for sale or for auctions. Disney figurines are sold from authorize figurine dealers. Beware of the fake ones. You can choose from these different manufactures like Armani, Lladro figurines, Swarovski, Royal Doulton figurines, and Disney Company just to name few.
Before purchasing Disney figurines, it is wise enough to look for the different price list and the background of the figurines you are buying. You must be careful of fake figurine dealers. Disney collectible figurines vary from price, design, shape, size, materials used, and maker of the figurines.
The most popular size of collectible Disney figures is miniatures. These collectible Disney pieces are quite affordable. They come in different styles and designs depicting the different characters of Disney cartoon movies.
Here are some of Disney movie characters that were depicted, namely: Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Alice in Wonderland, Bambi, Donald Duck, Pinocchio, Goofy, Davy Crockett, Dumbo, Fantasia, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, Three Little Pigs, etc.
There were also Armani Disney figurines. These beautifully crafted figurines depicts exactly like princesses and prince of Walt Disney movies. Armani Disney Cinderella figurine is one the limited product of Armani Disney figures. The price of Armani Disney figurines ranges from $250 up to $4,000.
Llandro Disney figurines are one of the manufacturers of Disney cartoon figures. These figurines have delicate colors which evokes sentiments that touch the heart of collectors.
These elegant ladies sculpted with Disney cartoons has been a success in the world of figurines industry. Llandro Disney figures range its price from $400 to $3,500.
How will I recognize when was my Disney figurine made?
The Walt Disney classics collection sculpture bears a back stamp with Walt Disney’s signature and production year mark. The mark symbolizes major milestones in Disney history.
A production mark represents the calendar year during which the particular Disney figurine is made. Individual sculptures of an open edition Disney collectible figurines may carry different marks when production continues over the years.
The first production was in year 1992; the Walt Disney Classics Collection featured a steamboat wheel mark. The wheel honors Mickey Mouse’s debut in Steamboat Willie (1928). Disney figurines with this mark are the most valuable and desired by most collectors.
The 1993 production mark is a treble clef. The clef symbolizes the music in the Academy Award winning Silly Symphonies. Walt Disney explored and expanded the artistic, technical, and emotional range of animation.
The 1994 mark is a dancing flower. The flower represents Disney’s Flowers and Trees in 1932. This animated commercial film was the first the first film produced with full-color three-strip. And this movie cartoon won the first Academy Award for Disney.
The 1995 mark is a trowel. The trowel was used by practical Three Little Pigs cartoon in 1933. This animated short won the Academy Award in 1933. The animated short introduced the first hit song for Disney “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf”.
The 1996 mark is a sailor’s hat. The hat represents Donald Duck’s on-screen debut in The Wise Little Hen in 1934. “Who? Me? Oh, no, I’ve got a bellyache” With these eight words, the world’s most quick tempered duck was born.
The 1997 mark is a music stand. The stand represents Mickey Mouse’s first color cartoon The Band Concert in 1935. The cartoon is renowned for its superb character animation of band leader Mickey and mischievous peanut vendor Donald Duck.
The 1998 mark is the pickax. The Dwarfs’ diamond mining tool helps celebrate the Diamond (70th) Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.
The 1999 mark is the Sorcerer’s Hat. In 1940, Fantasia was recognized as one of Walt Disney’s greatest experiments, combining the art of animation with the beauty of classical music. And of course, it’s lauded for giving Mickey Mouse his most famous role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
The 2000 year mark is a feather – Dumbo’s magic feather from Dumbo (1941).
The 2001 year mark is the butterfly. The butterfly was chosen in honor of the 1942 animated classic Bambi.
The 2002 year mark is the sombrero. The sombrero was chosen in honor of the 1943 animated classic ‘Saludos Amigos,’ featuring this year’s member’s only figural release, Pedro.
The 2003 year mark is the Golden Harp. The golden harp was chosen in honor of the 1947 feature film Fun and Fancy Free.
The 2004 year mark is the Bumble Bee from Melody Time (1948). It is an animated feature produced by Walt Disney.
The 2005 year mark is the glass slipper from Cinderella (1950).
The 2006 year mark is the Teacup. The teacup was chosen in honor of the 1951 cartoon musical film Alice in Wonderland.
The 2007 year mark is the Captain Hook’s Hook. The hook was chosen in honor of the 1953 animated film Peter Pan – a mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up.
The 2008 year mark is the crown of Aurora from 1959 fairy tale classic Sleeping Beauty.
The 2009 year mark is the paw print from 1961 American animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
Other Disney figurines manufacturers write the name of their company at the bottom of the figure. Same as to Disney Company they also indicate the year it was made. Some manufactures inscribe the word retired to their product to indicate its type.
Rare Disney figurines
Like any other collectible figurines there are also rare Disney figurines. Disney figurines having the first mark year usually are the most valuable. Some Disney figurines are produced only within a year with limited productions. Other collectible Disney figurines are made only for those who are members of Disney collectors club.
Retired Disney figurines are figurines that are produced in a limited amount. When the desired amount of Disney figurines is acquired the mold is destroyed. The figurines are then classified as retired Disney figurines.
What are the different licensed vendors of Disney figurines?
In order to produce different styles of Disney figurines, Disney have licensed different vendors to produce their products such as WDCC, Olszewksi Story time Disney figurines, Royal Doulton Disney figurines, Armani Disney figurines, Goebel, Precious Moments Disney figurines, Pewter, Lenox, Swarovski, Mattel, Hamilton, Department 56, and Harmony Kingdom.
Disney Collectors Club
In January 1993, Disney Company introduces the Walt Disney collectors Society. The Disney Collectors club has grown over time. Collectors are reminded of their youth days and their love for the Disney characters. Each collector has a story to tell about his or her collection. Having friends while collecting is the best way to find out about what’s new on the market or what might be coming up for sale.
How to Clean Disney figurines
Regular cleaning of Disney figures does not only improve the appearance of the figurines but it increases the value of it. A periodic cleaning of figurines will keep them beautiful for generations to come.
In cleaning figurines, make sure that the dusting toll is gentle and lightweight such as feather duster, chamois or soft-bristled paint brush. In washing Disney figurines, it is preferred to use warm water. The air holes of figurines should also be covered to avoid the entrance of water into the hollow interior. Rub the stained area with a soft cloth.
To avoid discoloration of Disney figurines, avoid the figurine from the exposure of sunlight. It is advised to display the Disney figurines in a cool dry place. Using a newspaper in wrapping the figurine is a big no no, because the color of the ink will blend to the figurine.