Any item associated with Walt Disney Productions or its affiliated companies is considered to be Disneyana. What is utilitarian today, will become collectible tomorrow. The degree to which any item of Disneyana becomes collectible depends on many factors. Certainly some segments of the total Disneyana spectrum are more popular than others. However, if an item is Disney, it is usually more valuable than a like or similar piece that is not. Infringement items (those not authorized or licensed by Disney) are also collected on a selected basis.
People who buy Disneyana can be categorized into four groups:Consumers who purchase items as a toy, game, doll etc. to be used and discarded as the child grows older.
Admirers who purchase a Disney piece because it appeals to them as a souvenir or a small piece of art they can own.It is bough with the intent to preserve and perhaps display as they would an object of art.
Collectors who purchase a piece of Disneyana to add it to a collection. These people may collect only plates, figures, records, or items from the 30’s. They may confine their interest to several specialities or collect, everything marked with a Disney copyright. Collectors buy Disneyana for their personal enjoyment and perhaps, investment.
Dealers and investors who buy Disneyana with the intent of realizing a profit from their knowledge and interest.
Many who buy Disneyana as utilitarian toys know they sell well at garage sales and flea markets. And of course, the other three types of purchasers are interdependent on each other as buyers, sellers, and traders. From:Tomart’s illustrated Disneyana catalog and price guide Vol. 1 by Tom Tumbusch 1985
