Disney has today (October 25) launched its nationwide search in the UK for rare pieces of memorabilia, in the hope of unearthing some of its lost treasures.
 A rare example of Disney's flourishing autograph could be yours today |
The search, which has been dubbed Mickey Mouse's Epic Treasure Hunt, stems from the discovery of a rare and valuable 1928 cartoon reel called Hungry Hoboes, in Hertfordshire last year. The cartoon features Oswald the Rabbit, one of the earliest Disney characters who, like many others, was thought to have been lost to history.
Lifelong Disney collector Warren Spector commented: "The discovery of a lost film is a rare and special event, of course, but if Hungry Hoboes could be found, it's possible other Oswald cartoons - and other bits of Disney history of all sorts - might be out there too, just waiting to be discovered in homes, garages or attics."
Inspired by the launch of Disney's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two video game, a Facebook page has been created where collectors can share their item and have its value and rarity assessed. Former Sotheby's director Patrick Van der Vorst has been enlisted as an independent advisor throughout the search, which will culminate in an exhibition later in the year in London.
Those interested in participating in the search will need to post a picture of their item along with a short description on the Disney Epic Mickey Video Game Facebook page between October 25 and November 5. Entrants will then be notified with feedback about the history and significance of their item.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a superb selection of Disney memorabilia currently available. Our collection is led by a fantastic sketch and autograph from Walt Disney, which is included on a copy of Ivanhoe.
