As you know, Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions puts out a weekly sales list through Hake’s Americana, offering collectibles for immediate sale to supplement their traditional auction format. This week, some truly unique pieces are being offered. One such example is a porcelain figurine of Mickey Mouse playing a Banjo. This piece is a prime example of why collectibles often have economic value, as this specific item was manufactured by a company called Rosenthal.

In 1879, a man named Phillip Rosenthal began his own porcelain painting project at castle Schloss Erkersreuth near Selb, Germany. Over the years, Rosenthal became a name in porcelain, establishing himself as a corporation in 1897. In 1910, an art department was developed which began producing porcelain figurines. In 1931, Rosenthal obtained a transatlantic license from Walt Disney and created six different Mickey Mouse figurines. Being as there are only six different designs and few still around, the Rosenthal Mickey Mouse figurines are considered extremely rare and quite the find in the collectibles industry. 

Rosenthal was such an innovative company in the design of porcelain that over the years, famous names such as Andy Warhol and Versace have taken an interest in the company and its founder. Even today, Rosenthal is considered one of the top five names in the porcelain and glass industry, creating the finest china available and keeping a standard in attempting to create "what is original in our time".

Another interesting item in Hake’s sales list this week is a ceramic figurine of the Satyr from Fantasia. Again, this piece gains its value not just from character collectibles and Disney but from the artist, Ugo Zaccagnini. He has been known for his artistic hand at not only Disney but also Gio Ponti and Tiffany & Company. Zaccagnini helped manufacture for Disney before and after World War II. Hake’s is not only offering the Satyr but also a Joe Carioca figurine.

These are just two of the wonderful artists that are represented by the figurines on Hake’s website. There are also rare Cinderella and Prince Charming planters by Shaw, a French Chocoreve candy bar figure, and an unusual Mickey Mouse figural china container from Germany. Hake’s is not limiting themselves to just figurines though. Some honorary mentions include the Three Stooges Rare punch out book and the Lone Ranger Black Out Kit premium. To buy these and multiple other pop culture collectibles, go to hakes.com.