Upcoming Profiles in History auction is a Disney collector’s dream, with theme park artwork, posters, vehicles, Imagineering models and more

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

On May 14-15, 2011, Profiles in History will be holding its latest Hollywood Memorabilia auction, this time featuring exciting items from the world of Disney that are guaranteed make any collector’s eyes bulge and pockets quite a bit lighter.

Hollywood Memorabilia Auction 44 is a two-day event, but nearly the entire first day is devoted to rare and unique Disney items up for sale. From theme park ride vehicles, posters, costumes and models, to original animation cels and artwork from classic Disney films, to Walt Disney signatures and important historical documents, there is no area of Disneyana that will not be included in this auction.

Below is just a small sampling of some of the most impressive items Profiles in History has gathered for the upcoming auction from private Disney collections around the world. A full auction catalog can be downloaded here.

Perhaps the most historically important item in the entire auction is this personal letter from Walt Disney to friend Ub Iwerks, encouraging him to move to California. It can be argued that this letter is a starting point of the Walt Disney Studios as we know it today. It’s expected to fetch $60,000 – $80,000, though most of Profiles in History’s estimates are lower than the actual sale price at auction.

Desirable and rare Disneyland and Walt Disney World items up for auction next month include:


Disneyland opening day press pass – $1,500 – $2,000


Walt Disney Imagineering model for Indiana Jones Temple of the Forbidden Eye – $10,000 – $15,000


Snow White’s Scary Adventures ride conceptual maquettes and photos – $20,000 – $30,000


Snow White’s Scary Adventures “Bashful” ride vehicle – $3,000 – $5,000


Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride single-seat car – $8,000 – $12,000


Fuzzball animatronic puppet and rig from Captain EO $15,000 – $20,000


Abraham Lincoln prototype bust for “Great Moments with Mister Lincoln” created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson $5,000 – $7,000


Silicone animatronic mask of Abraham Lincoln from Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World – ,000 – ,000


Disneyland attraction posters including Star Tours, Adventure Through Inner Space, and more $400 – $1,500


Disneyland Submarine Voyage cap and patches – $400 – $600


Disneyland Submarine Voyage costume – $300 – $500


Radio controlled Jungle Cruise boat from Disneyland Hotel – ,000 – ,500


Chair from Club 33 – $200 – $300


Original 1969 Haunted Mansion cupola door with writings from cast members – ,500 – ,000


Original Herb Ryman concept drawings from 1964 World’s Fair, Epcot – $600 – $1,500 (This is one of several included in the auction.)

There are many more theme park items to be auctioned beyond these, so be sure to download the full auction catalog to see them all.

In the world of Disney movies, there is no shortage of unique items being put up for sale:


Cinderella production cel, production background, and Walt Disney signature – $15,000 – $20,000


Original Sleeping Beauty production cel and pan background – $80,000 – $120,000


Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather production cels from Sleeping Beauty – $400 – $600


Original Maleficent drawings from Sleeping Beauty – $600 – $800


Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit production cels from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? – $200 – $600


Mickey Mouse Sorcerer’s Apprentice production cel – $8,000 – $12,000


Original Mickey Mouse Alpine Climbers one-sheet poster $40,000 – $60,000


Song of the South production cel with Walt Disney signature – $12,000 – $15,000


Lady and the Tramp production cel and pan production background – $12,000 – $15,000


TRON identity disc prop – $2,000 – $3,000


TRON costume – $8,000 – $12,000


Rocketeer helmet $12,000

In addition to these and hundreds of more Disney items, Profiles in History is also auctioning more Hollywood collectibles including items from Star Wars, Star Trek, A Clockwork Orange, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Wizard of Oz, The Walking Dead, Back to the Future, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and many more.

Visit their web site for more information about the auction including how to bid.

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