Thursday, February 8, 2007

Walt Disney’s passport featured in upcoming Heritage auction

By Pegasus News wire

Heritage Auctions will hold its music and entertainment signature auction April 14-15 at its headquarters in Dallas. Among the highlights are Walt Disney items, including:

• Walt Disney's passport (Estimate: $18,000 & up.)
• Walt Disney signed contract (Estimate: $5,000 & up.)

“There’s no doubt that Walt Disney is one of the foremost entertainment icons in history,” said Doug Norwine, director of music and entertainment auctions for Heritage. “Not only does he hold the record for most Academy Awards ever won – 22 Oscars and four honorary Awards – but Mickey Mouse is one of the most famous and well-recognized of all fictional characters, and Disney’s classic movies and cartoons have been seen by countless people worldwide.

“We’re proud to present two important pieces of memorabilia related to this great entertainer in our upcoming auction. First is Walt’s passport, issued to him on August 19, 1965 and used during a trip to London. Boldly signed twice by Walt in sharp blue ink, the passport also contains a wonderful, smiling photo of the great man. Disney signatures are some of the most desirable in the entire field of autograph collecting, and this is one of the nicest specimens one is ever likely to find.

“Also on offer is an item of great historical significance. On April 3, 1953, Walt Disney signed a document that would change the face of entertainment for all time. This two-page contract, which precedes the opening of Disneyland by two full years, gives ‘the Corporation the right and license to use [Disney’s] name for all commercial purposes.’ By signing this document, Walt made possible Disneyland, Disney World, the TV shows Walt Disney Presents and The Wonderful World of Disney, and much, much more. This document, also signed boldly in blue ink by Disney, has a value far beyond that of the signature itself. By signing this document, Walt shaped the course of entertainment for years to come.”

Source: Heritage Galleries

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