Disney Treasures: Bambi Knock-off Meets Fifer Pig

        Spring is on its way here in southeastern Pennsylvania, and my urge to search flea markets and auctions for vintage Disney treasures is starting anew. Last week was the first time in quite a while where I went out to search for some classic finds, and two pieces of a unique nature happen to cross my path.

        The first item to catch my eye was a Bambi planter, and after an initial glance it appeared to be one
of several Bambi planters made by Leeds in the mid 1940s. Bambi pieces of this caliber can be worth anywhere from $20-$110 depending on the condition and availability, so I admit I was a bit excited at first. Bambi collectibles can be very deceiving however, simply because so many knock-off ceramic and pottery pieces were made after the release of the film. Due to this, after I observe the condition of a specific item, I check all of its surface areas for any markings that contain the Disney name. I was initially relieved to see that this particular item was labeled "Walt Disney's Bambi" in large, cursive text under its base. Despite this discovery, I've been collecting long enough now to know that just because it says Walt Disney on it doesn't necessarily mean it was licensed by the company. This item however felt right to me at the time, and I comfortably paid $35 to take it home.

        When I bring a new item home, I refer to my books and price guides on Disneyana collectibles to get an idea of its worth and production year. Purchasing vintage Disney items can always be a gamble when it comes to value, but for the most part I usually come out on top. As I did research for this Bambi item I was surprised to see that this particular piece was considered to be a knock-off. Even though it was labeled "Walt Disney's Bambi" at the base, my thoughts have led me to believe that if it was authentic, it should have had the "Walt Disney Productions" label somewhere on the mold. Though it may not have been the news I wanted to hear, the piece was produced in the 1940s (right around the time of the movie's release) and is worth anywhere from $35-$50. In the end (and after a good cleaning) it's truly an unusual and beautiful piece, and its historical background makes it all the more interesting to me.

        1930s Bisque Fifer PigOften times collectors will not purchase damaged or flawed Disney items, and I can't say I blame them, however I must admit that I do depending on their age and historical significance. The second item I purchased for instance was a bisque figure of Fifer Pig from the classic Silly Symphony cartoon - which happened to contain a significant flaw. The body of the figure appeared to be in great condition considering its estimated age of 75 years, but a crack around the perimeter of its neck soon revealed that he had been "decapitated" and glued back together at one time. This figure was originally part of a figure set released by the George Borgfeldt Corp. in the mid-1930s; an early distributor of Disney merchandise before the great Kay Kamen signed on. The complete set in its original box is worth approximately $150-$450 according to the Official Price Guide to Disney Collectibles. I gladly paid $15 for this little piece, and was happy to rescue him from being potentially lost forever - a fate that has happened far too often.