Disney - General

The Walt Disney Company was created in 1923 by Walt Disney and his brother Roy Disney. Disney quickly established itself as a major American animation leader and is now the second-largest media conglomerate in the world. Disney’s creation of Mickey Mouse in 1928 along with the production of “Steamboat Willie” helped put Disney on the road to success.

The early development of Disney toys, especially those associated with Mickey Mouse, was orchestrated by Kay Kamen. Kamen was responsible for some of the finest toys ever made by Disney partner Tippco. Numerous other German tinplate toy companies produced early Mickey Mouse toys. Several are attributed to the work of Ub Iwerks, an animation artist who helped Walt Disney bring Mickey Mouse to the animation screen.

Collectors today seek out rare original animation production cels by specific artists including Walt Disney himself. Early tin litho toys, posters, and advertising associated with early Disney production lines are highly sought after today. Later items from the movie “Fantasia” are greatly valued as well as later toys, pins, and giveaways from Disney promotions.

Quick Facts

• A Tippco Mickey & Minnie Mouse on a motorcycle toy sold at Bertoia Auctions in September 2009 for $71,300
• A 1935 Walt Disney production cel painted by Walt Disney himself for “The Band Concert” sold for $420,000 at a private sale in 1999
• Originally named Mortimer Mouse, Disney’s design for Mickey Mouse was refined by animation artist Ub Iwerks