QUESTION:
I have a Donald Duck figurine, circa, 1930's... he is about two and half inches tall and is holding a horn, and he has the long bill like the cartoons had when Donald was first introduced. He is marked across his behind with Walt. Disney, it says nothing of Japan. I only saw him in a book once years ago, and it said that he was worth $150.00. Do you have any reccomendations as to it's price?
Also, I have a factory sealed box of Disney Collector Cards, 15 cards per pack, no idea how many packs are in box. The cover of the box has three types of cards, they are 'Family Portraits', 'World Tour', and 'Favorite Stories'. They were made by the Walt Disney Company and printed in the USA. Produced and distributed by: Impel Marketing Inc. Research Triangle Park, NC. If I opened the box I am sure that I would be able to find when they were made, but then I loose value, don't I? What do you suggest? Any clue as to how much I should ask for them?
ANSWER:
As far as the Donald figurine, it's hard to say without looking at a photo of the piece. My guess is that it's a Borgfeldt ceramic bisque, but can't be sure at this point. Keep in mind that the Disney Company made reproductions of several early bisques just a few years ago; and sold them at deep discount at Disneyland Hotel ($5.00). It can be tough to tell the different... You'll want to show yours to an experienced collector of vintage figurines. Watch for a top quality antiques fair or show to come to your area, and take it with you. They often have free appraisals there!
As far as the series of cards, they proved not to be very popular. Last year's series of trading cards are wonderful quality; and are still not as popular as one would have guessed. Your cards have some wonderful images on them; and yet are not very valuable. Often they sell for .25 to $1 per pack. There isn't much of a premium for a sealed box of these cards. It's simply too soon for them to be considered rare. There is a nice image of Mickey Mouse on the Russia card; before the Soviet Union fell. It's a nice collector's piece from the end of an era!
Best to you,
Dave Mason
for Saturday's Toys
www.SaturdaysToys.com