DS, twice-signed “Walter E. Disney,” two pages, 8.5 x 13, August 14, 1946. Disney transfers 3000 shares of Walt Disney Productions common stock to his daughter, Diane Marie Disney. Assignment states that “under the provisions of a certain voting trust, said shares are held and are to be held by the Trustees, Walter E. Disney and Roy O. Disney…during the period of 21 years from the 1st day of December, 1945.” Signed at the top of the second page by Disney and witnessed by Oliver (Ollie) Johnston, one of Disney’s “nine old men” animators. Signed again at the bottom by board members “Walter E. Disney,” “Lillian B. Disney,” “Roy O. Disney,” “Edna F. Disney,” and “Gunther R. Lessing.” In fine condition, with two punch holes and several staple holes to top of both pages.
Diane Marie Disney was the eldest daughter of Walt and Lillian Disney, and at the time was a mere 12 years old as her famous father made certain her future would be financially secure. In addition to caring for his family, 1946 was also a time in which Disney opted to take his company in a new direction. World War II had, understandably, resulted in some lean years for the production company, and with the government no longer requiring Walt to produce training and instruction films for the military, he longed to make feature films once again. The only catch—no money. As an alternative to a fully animated feature, Disney settled on the idea of “combination pictures”—movies with live action and animation side-by-side. Overcoming the technical challenges, the end result was the 1946 release, Song of the South. A beautifully-signed, well-preserved piece of Disneyana, with excellent associoation. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
