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Mickey Mouse Doll,c. 1935
Knickerbocker Toy Company, Inc.; New York, New York
Cotton, felt and plastic
7952
Irene Cutter Memorial Doll Collection
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It was all started with a mouse: Mickey Mouse. Today marks the 87th birthday for Mickey Mouse, a character made famous by Walt Disney. Mickey made his first screen debut on November 18, 1928 as “Steamboat Willie.”
This doll is an example of a 1930s cartoon version of Mickey with his characteristic pie-eyes. The original tag is still attached, labeled as an exclusive manufacture of Knickerbocker Toy Co. Inc. The toy company was established in New York in 1925, and Disney characters were among their premium products. Mickey’s drum major costume also closely resembles his conductor outfit in the famous Disney short film “The Band Concert” from 1935.
Mickey Mouse cartoons and merchandise helped bring in enough money to support Walt Disney’s future projects including full-length features, live-action films, and eventually a theme park for the whole family to enjoy. Walt Disney was the artist for the first concepts of the cartoon character as well as the original voice for Mickey until 1946. Mickey Mouse is now world renowned and a cultural icon synonymous with the Disney name.
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