Having the Mickey Mouse consignment made me realize that I forgotten what a fun little collectible he is. It is very tempting for me to collect all things Mickey again. I already have a head start from my childhood; I still have my Mickey Mouse ears, plushes, postcards, glasses, comic books, watch, stamps and Disneyland guides.
Mickey Mouse became an overnight sensation after his third cartoon short, “Steamboat Willie”. Check it out here ~ http://www.youtube.com/user/CartoonShortsClub The first Mickey Mouse fan club was created, and by the end of the year, there were over one million fans and everyone wanted a Mickey Mouse of their own and Walt Disney made it happen.
There are basically two time periods to collecting Mickey Mouse: (1) Before Walt Disney died (Vintage – before 6/1966 ) and (2) after Walt Disney died (contemporary - after 6/1966). Most start with contemporary Mickey items since they are more available and cost just a few dollars. Mickey’s cheerful face has been on everything: sheets, bedspreads, glasses, mugs, hats, clothes, note paper, greeting cards, dishes, slippers, stamps, lamps, pens, pencils plus there are figurines, dolls, plush, puppets, comic strips, comic books, books, DVDs, and let us not forget about all the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse items!
A big pocketbook is not needed to start collecting, you can find good deals at local yard sales, flea markets, antiques stores and the Disney Stores, Disney Resorts and don’t forget about ebay! Check out what we have in our store!http://stores.ebay.com/id=375389728
Before spending money on the high priced Mickey items, whether vintage or modern, it is best to do your research to make sure it is a Disney original product and not a vintage re-production or non-licensed item. There are plenty of books available on collecting Disneyana with photos, descriptions and values along with the multitude of websites. http://www.squidoo.com/affordable-vintage-modern-mickey-mouse-collectibles
In the beginning of collecting, it will be difficult to zero on one item/theme since Mickey is everywhere along with his pals and his fellow Disney friends – Snow White, Cinderella, Bambi and Aladdin 
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. I do love the Walt Disney Classic Collection – Mickey is so classy in fine porcelain! Check out one we have for sale http://cgi.ebay.com/WDCC-Mickey-Mouse-Figurines-W-Bases-COAs-Disney-4-MIB-/270720107995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f082d05dbAnd I am also drawn to Vintage Mickey – the puppets, the dolls and figurines. Then how can I collect Mickey without adding Minnie or Donald or Goofy and what about Pluto?!
Luckily, Mickey Mouse is loved by my entire family and I know I can depend on them (even the in-laws!) and a few close friends to help continue my Mickey Mouse collection. Before the end of the day, I’ll get Mickey from the attic and I noticed a nice little area in the family room that I can display him.
