Van Eaton Galleries presents “Walt Disney’s Disneyland”, a historic auction of nearly 1,000 Disneyland artifacts from 1953 to the present day. Some of these artifacts include original props, wardrobe, ride vehicles, and souvenirs. The auction kicks off live on June 25th, 2017 with absentee bidding currently available until auction day. Included are souvenirs, props, costumes, artwork, and other amazing collectibles from virtually every land and attraction at Disneyland over the last 60 years.

A highlight of this auction, presented at Lot 217, is Walt Disney’s first-ever map of Disneyland. This original map, created in 1953, was used by Walt and Roy Disney to secure the financing they needed to build the park. This map was the main presentation piece for Roy Disney’s meetings with potential investors in New York, which succeeded in getting Disney the financing from ABC that was necessary to build Disneyland. This same map returned from New York and was displayed at the Disney Studio where it was used by Walt in numerous development meetings throughout the remainder of 1953 and into 1954. Later in 1954, this map received newly inked outlines and additional color, and was used as the first publicly released full-image of Disneyland. The significance of this map in the history of Disneyland cannot be overstated. This remarkable artifact measures 40″x68.5″ on its presentation board backing and comes custom-framed for a beautiful presentation. This map is in very good condition with some wear throughout from its extensive use in some of the most important meetings in Disneyland history. This is a one of a kind museum quality piece that is the ultimate Disney collectible. There are a selection of photos of this map in the online catalog ready for inspection.

Van Eaton Galleries has a huge selection of animatronic pieces from the vintage rides. Lot 700 brings an animatronic grouper from “Submarine Voyages” to the auction block. This large 27″x72″ fish could be seen “swimming” in the attraction, and features moving fins, tail, mouth, and gills. The movable parts still pivot and most of the armature remains, such that moving the mouth also moves the fins. However, additional parts would need to be added to allow the fish to fully operate again. The fish comes with its original rubber skin which slides over the body and head. The fish is made of metal, resin, and painted rubber, and comes supported on a 53″ tall metal base. This item is in fair to good condition, with expected wear from use and several detached parts. There are a few tears to aspects of the rubber skin. Bidding opens at only $15000 for a true piece of Disney history and is a great addition for any serious collector of animatronic Disneyland treasures.

Lot 718 is one of the coolest pieces of Disney history available at auction. Presented is a Disney Mark V11 Autopia Vehicle. This Mark VII style vehicle features the original fiberglass body which was in use from 1967 until 1999. These iconic vehicles were designed by legendary Imagineer Bob Gurr. This unique vehicle has been custom modified with a 1974-80 golf cart chassis and 36 volt electric drive system with battery charger. The vehicle has a rear drum braking system and new linings, wheel cylinders, hoses, and master cylinder. The wheels are silver steel to stay true to the original design. The vehicle has brushed metal laminate rocker panels. The bumper assemblies are authentically reproduced in the same 1970’s style, and the leather seatbelt with hook is also authentically reproduced to match the original style. The vehicle has rubber floor matting, a padded steering wheel, and the “Autopia” body emblem, all of which are custom created to match the original. This incredible artifact is a beautiful example of the very popular Mark VII “Autopia” vehicles, and measures approximately 10ftx4ft and 3ft tall. This item is in fine functioning condition. Bidding opens at a fantastic $15000 and will hammer down for a great value. Bidders can check out all the photos in the online catalog.

The entire catalog can be browsed online at anytime through iCollector.com to see all the photos, descriptions, and estimates. The auction will commence live at 11 AM Pacific time with a live broadcast, and anyone not able to bid live is encouraged to leave their best bids in the iCollector.com system at anytime before auction day. Van Eaton Galleries are the greatest auctioneer of Disneyland memorabilia in the world, and this auction continues to raise their reputation and prestige in the industry. Any questions can be answered by them through email or telephone and their expertise will guide all collectors to finding their treasures.

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