Two interrelated items: the first is an oversized vintage 13.5 x 10.25 photo of Walt Disney presenting famed animator and Woody Woodpecker creator Walter Lantz a Silver Anniversary Award which reads, “Silver Anniversary Award presented to Walter Lantz in recognition for the outstanding contributions to the Animated Cartoon Film Industry during his 25 years with Universal Pictures, awarded by Walt Disney, Fred Quimby, Edward Selzer, Stephen Bosusow, George Pal, Nov. 19, 1964.” Signed and inscribed in fountain pen by Disney, “To Walter—All best for another 25 years. Sincerely, Walt.” In fine condition, with some scattered light surface marks and impressions, a couple trivial skips and light strokes to a few letters of inscription, and slight brush to black ink notation to lower right. The photo has been nicely decoupaged to a 16.5 x 13.5 wooden display. The second item, which makes this offering unique, is the very award being presented to Lantz in this photo!
In 1927, Disney signed a contract with Universal Studios to produce a series of cartoons based on his character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. In the spring of 1928, with the series going strong, Disney came to a contractual impasse with Universal, and studio head Carl Laemmle selected Walter Lantz to take over production of the shorts. Lantz received Disney’s blessing to continue with Oswald as the Mickey Mouse shorts had become more successful. The two animators became close friends.
Lantz's harmonious relationship with Universal was interrupted when new ownership turned the company into Universal-International. New management insisted on obtaining licensing and merchandising rights to Lantz's characters. Lantz refused and withdrew from the parent company, releasing twelve cartoons independently through United Artists until financial difficulties forced Lantz to shut down his studio in 1949. Universal-International re-released Lantz's UA cartoons during the shutdown and finally came to terms with Lantz, who resumed production in 1951. Second only to Disney in theatrical shorts’ longevity, Walter Lantz Productions continued until 1972.
A remarkable pair of items, with wonderful and unique association between two of the cartoon world’s enduring legends. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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