The magical history of Disneyland will come to life in a special auction of memorabilia next month.
Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks, California is set the host the latest in a series of sales offering rare and historic items from the theme park’s 61-year history.
The Souvenirs of Disneyland auction will include more than 1000 rare items, with everything from simple vintage souvenirs and ephemera to genuine props and artwork from iconic rides such as The Haunted Mansion, It’s A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean.
"This collection and the people that have collected it are beyond extraordinary,” said Mike Van Eaton, Co-Founder of Van Eaton Galleries. "The breadth of this vintage collection and the rarity of the memorabilia are a true testament to the genius of Walt Disney.
"I am not aware of any other auction that features such rare and sought-after Disneyland memorabilia. We are honored to be a part of preserving Walt Disney’s legacy."
Leading the auction is an original, fully-working animatronic doll from the It’s A Small World ride, which originally opened to the public in 1966.
The Scandinavian dancer figure was built in 1971, and featured in the climactic scene of the famous ride for years. The Small World doll is the only complete example of its kind ever offered for sale, and is expected to sell for $80,000 – $90,000.
Another major prop is a hand-painted ‘stretch’ painting from the entrance elevator of The Haunted Mansion.
As visitors descend into the ride beneath New Orleans Square, the portraits on the four walls around them stretch to reveal more than expected. Today printed canvases are used, but from 1969 until 1972 the elevator was decorated with hand-painted artworks. This rare original surviving example, dating from 1969, comes with an estimate of $30,000 – $40,000.
Further leading lots in the sale will include an original audio-animatronic sparrow from the Enchanted Tiki Room, estimated at $35,000-$45,000; an original Devil Prop from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, valued at $8,000-$10,000; a highly rare Stan Galli painting for a United Air Lines Disneyland Travel Poster, circa 1963, estimated at $40,000-$50,000
For those seeking vintage toys, gifts and souvenirs originally acquired at Disneyland, the sale’s offerings are led by the remarkable Patty Asker Collection – featuring every one of the 1,458 postcards produced by Disneyland throughout its history.
As an unrivalled visual history of the park, with rare cards never offered for public sale before, the entire collection will be sold as a single lot valued at $60,000-$70,000.
The Souvenirs of Disneyland sale takes place on Saturday November 19.
