Walt Disney Autograph Book: Values, Examples & How to Sell
To auction, sell or consign your Walt Disney autograph book, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (natedsanders.com).
What Are Disney Signed Books?
Walt Disney signed books are among the most popular Disney collectibles. Some books include behind-the-scenes access to Disney favorites, like Fantasia and The Art of Animation, while others are adaptations of animated films geared towards children readers. Signed Disney books are appealing to both Disney fans and autograph collectors.
Here Are Some Disney Signed Books We’ve Sold:
Signed The Art of Walt Disney – Sold for $15,125
We realized $15,125 for a signed first edition copy of The Art of Walt Disney by Robert D. Field. The book goes into detail about behind the scenes making of some early Disney films such as Bambi, Fantasia and Pinocchio. Book also contains a sketch and inscription on the front free endpaper.
Signed The Art of Animation – Sold for $6,406
Disney’s The Art of Animation book was first published in 1958 and showcases the creative process of the studio to produce their animated films. All behind the scenes aspects are covered, including story development, character design and technical effects. The first edition of the book focuses on Sleeping Beauty and later editions have been released to include newer films like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. We sold a Walt Disney signed copy of The Art of Animation, also signed by others on the Disney creative team, for $6,406.
Signed Fantasia Book – Sold for $6,250
Disney’s film Fantasia was initially released in 1940 and has been re-released several times. Its 1969 re-release received praise from countercultural audiences who appreciated the experimental nature of the film. The movie has received many accolades including two special Academy Awards in 1942 and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1990. We sold a Walt Disney signed copy of Walt Disney’s Fantasia for $6,250.
Signed Fantasia Book – Sold for $4,440
The book Walt Disney’s Fantasia provides a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the 1940 film, covering concept art, production stories and snippets about the orchestration. Leopold Stokowski, conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra during the scoring of the motion picture provided the forward of the book. We realized $4,440 for a Walt Disney signed an inscribed copy of Walt Disney’s Fantasia.
Signed Copy of Ave Maria From Fantasia – Sold for $4,226
We sold a Walt Disney signed copy of the book Ave Maria for $4,226. The book, published in 1940, is an adaptation of the “Ave Maria” segment of Fantasia. Lovely book i fulled with vibrant color pictures throughout and features sheet music in the back.
Signed Cinderella Book – Sold for $4,000
The book Walt Disney’s Cinderella published in 1950 was a Golden Book adaptation of the film written by Jane Werner. These Disney Golden Book adaptations were intended to bring beloved Disney motion picture stories to young readers. We sold a copy of Cinderella signed by Walt Disney for $4,000.
Signed Peter Pan Book – Sold for $4,000
Disney and Little Golden Books started a partnership in 1944 which led to book adaptations of several prominent Disney films. Some titles include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and The Lion King. Some of these books contain illustrations by iconic Disney artists like Mary Blair. We sold a Walt Disney signed Peter Pan Golden Book for $4,000.
Signed Copy of Walt Disney’s Surprise Package – Sold for $3,899
Walt Disney signed copy of “Walt Disney’s Surprise Package”, with stories including “Brer Rabbit” and “Peter Pan and the Pirates”. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1944 first edition. Disney elegantly signs upon the title page, “To Janet Barker / My Best Wishes / Walt Disney”. Large book with decorative endpapers and color illustrations measures 10.25″ x 13″. Abrasions to front cover and splitting to backstrip, but in otherwise very good condition with a clean interior. With Phil Sears COA. Sold for $3,899.
Signed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Book — Sold for $2,290
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became Disney’s first animated blockbuster in 1937. We sold a Walt Disney signed copy of the book for $2,290. The film remains a classic and has inspired theme park rides, video games, live-action film adaptations and a Broadway show. Hardcover book measures 9 x 7.5 inches and is signed in crayon on the front free endpaper.
Signed Copy of The Gremlins — Sold for $2,081
The Gremlins was Roald Dahl’s first book from 1943 and was written during WWI to boost the morale of British children. The story follows mischievous creatures who ally with the British instead of continuing to obstruct planes. Disney Studios intended to create an animated film with this title that was never produced. We sold a first edition copy of The Gremlins signed by Walt Disney on the front free endpaper, “To Joan / With Best Wishes / Walt Disney” for $2,081.
Signed Bambi Book — Sold for $1,800
Disney’s classic film Bambi was released in 1942 and was based on the coming-of-age Austrian book Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten. We sold a Walt Disney signed copy of the book for $1,800. Book was published by Grosset and Dunlap shortly after the release of the film. Verso of front free endpaper contains the inscription, “To Jimmie Carpenter / Best Wishes / Walt Disney”.
This wraps up our top Walt Disney signed book sales! Please let us know if you’d like a free appraisal or if you’d like to sell your Walt Disney autograph book. Learn how to sell your Walt Disney autograph items.
FAQs
Are Walt Disney signed books rare?
Disney wasn’t known for signing mass quantities of books, so they’re considered relatively scarce.
What kind of Disney signed books are most popular?
Collectors often seek out books related to the studio, first edition books and books related to major milestones.