Making
the (WDCC) Walt Disney Classics Sculptures
The Classics Collection started in 1992 with three scenes, Bambi, Cinderella,
and Fantasia's Sorcerer Apprentice. Many other series have since been introduced.
Some figurines are limited, and some have been retired. Some of these figurines
have risen high on the secondary market.
The figurines are made of porcelain, and the process is similar to that use
to make Hummel figurines. Individual pieces are molded, put together, and fired
in an oven. Then they are painted and fired again.
Each figurine is marked on the bottom, signifying the year it was produced.
The marks represent significant milestones in Disney history. The figurines
with the first year mark are usually the most desirable.
Collectors Society
In January 1993, Disney introduced the Walt Disney Collectors Society. The
quality and appreciating values of the limited editions have attracted large
number collectors. Collectors are reminded of their youth and their love for
the Disney characters. Each collector has a story to tell about his or her
collection. The collection has grown to be a hot collectible today.
Walt
Disney Classics Collection Signature Marks
Each
Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture bears a backstamp
with Walt Disney's signature and production year mark.
The marks symbolize major milestones in Disney history. A production mark represents
the calender year during which the particular piece is made. Individual sculptures
of an open edition piece may carry different marks when production continues
over the years.
For
the first production year 1992, the Walt Disney Classics
Collection featured a steamboat wheel mark. The wheel honors
Mickey Mouse's debut in Steamboat Willie (1928). This first
mark is the most desired by collectors.
The
1993 production mark is a treble clef. The clef symbolizes
the music in the Academy Award winning Silly Symphonies.
In them, Walt explored and expanded the artistic, technical
and emotional range of animation.
The
1994 mark is a dancing flower. The flower represents Disney's
Flowers and Trees (1932). This animated short is the first
color cartoon ever created and won the first Academy Award
for Disney.
The
1995 mark is a trowel. The trowel was used by Practical Pig
in the Academy Award winning 1933 cartoon, Three Little Pigs.
The short was a highpoint in character development and introduced
the song, "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf," which
was the first hit song for Disney.
The
1996 mark is a sailor's hat. The hat represents Donald Duck's
on-screen debut in The Wise Little Hen (1934). "Who?
Me? Oh, no, I've got a bellyache" With these eight words,
the worlds most quick tempered duck was born.
The
1997 mark is a music stand. The stand represents Mickey Mouse's
first color cartoon The Band Concert (1935). The cartoon
is renowned for its superb character animation of band leader
Mickey and mischievous peanut vendor Donald Duck.
The
1998 mark is the pickax. The Dwarfs' diamond mining tool
helps celebrate the Diamond (70th) Anniversary of the Walt
Disney Company.
The
1999 mark is the Sorcerer's Hat. Fantasia (1940) is recognized
as one of Walt Disney's greatest experiments, combining the
art of animation with the beauty of classical music. And
of course, it's lauded for giving Mickey Mouse his most famous
role as the Sorcerer's Apprectice.
The
2000 year mark is a feather--- Dumbo's magic feather from
Dumbo (1941).
The
2001 year mark is the butterfly. The butterfly was chosen
in honor of the 1942 animated classic Bambi.
The
2002 year mark is the sombrero. The sombrero was chosen in
honor of the 1943 animated classic 'Saludos Amigos,' featuring
this years members only figural release, Pedro.
