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Van Eaton Galleries to Display a Century of Disney History in New Auction

Van Eaton Galleries will display a century’s worth of fabulous Disney treasures during their new auction, “Exploring the Disney Universe.”

Exploring the Disney Universe | Van Eaton Galleries

Credit: Van Eaton Galleries

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The Los Angeles-based auction house is well-known for its yearly exhibitions displaying a wealth of rare and unique items relating to the history of the Disney Parks, Disneyland, the Walt Disney Animation Studios, and even the man himself! Most notably, their pop-up event and auction, “That’s From Disneyland,” in partnership with Richard Kraft immersed Disney fans from all over Southern California in a world of whimsy back in 2018.

Now, Van Eaton will host a new presentation of items in celebration of the Disney “100 Years of Wonder” celebration coming in 2023 with over one thousand items from the Company’s history in their “largest auction of the year.”

Exploring the Disney Universe' auction traces Disney history

Credit: Van Eaton Galleries

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For example, some of the pieces featured include a Nautilus model from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), items from the Mickey Mouse Club, one of the most complete versions of the 16-piece Snow White Ceramic Breakfast Set ever seen, a Technicolor Mickey Mouse stock poster, and original concept art pieces and animation production cels each valued at a minimum of $10,000! In fact, during the first day of the auction, 723 different artifacts will be available for bidding, and a whopping 836 released on day two.

Plus, fans of Disney Parks won’t want to miss out on the 1956 plot for Disneyland, late mid-century props from the Tiki Room and Tahitian Terrace, one of 13 custom 2019 Minarik electric guitars created for the Haunted Mansion’s 50th Anniversary, and the most “detailed documents” ever “offered for sale” by the Galleries: the Bank of America loan application and appraisal of Disneyland, with an expected valuation between $40,000-$50,000.

Softcover Exploring the Disney Universe Catalog - ID: auc0022soft | Van Eaton Galleries

Credit: Van Eaton Galleries

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Wow! Beyond these, there are still hundreds of other pieces waiting to join a lucky fan’s collection. As the webpage for “Exploring the Disney Universe” describes it:

Van Eaton Galleries presents our largest auction of the year, with an exciting array of memorabilia tracing 100 years of Disney history, including studio memorabilia and artifacts from the Disney parks. Highlights are too numerous to mention, but include original animation artwork from “The Skeleton Dance” original Mary Blair artwork, animation desks, rare Disneyland tickets, props, posters, signage, and more.

“Exploring the Disney Universe” opens December 3 and 4, 2022 with a preview available to Guests starting December 2 in Studio City, California. Moreover, bidding begins at 9:45 a.m. PST. For more information on this blast from the past or to view the full online catalog, visit the Van Eaton Galleries website here.

About Spencer Beck

Spencer is a lifelong lover of theme parks, princesses, and Disney history that recently relocated to Northern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she was the founder and first president of the campus Disney Club. A former Cast Member still mourning the loss of the Disney Store, she now haunts the halls of the Walt Disney Family Museum, and shares her opinions with anyone who will listen @pinknpurble everywhere.