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Jack Olsen In the mid-1950s, when Disneyland was nearing completion, a problem arose with park merchandise. Disney had an existing Merchandising Division in New York that operated under principles established by Disney’s Merchandising Executive Kay Kamen in the 1930s. However, Disney’s method had generally been to grant companies the rights to use Disney characters on their existing merchandise. For the new park, the need arose for products which had no existing licensee. To oversee the new park merchandise, Walt hired an independent seller, Jack Olsen, who had worked with Disney in the past, to be the on-site Merchandise Manager. Under Olsen’s management, Disneyland used new merchandising practices that led to the much needed souvenir income that helped make the park a success during its earliest of years. Additionally, Olsen brought animation cels back into public sale for the first time since Courvoisier Galleries gave up their license in the 1940s. Without Jack Olsen and the successful sale of Disneyland merchandise, the park, and The Walt Disney Company as a whole, wouldn’t have survived as we know it today. Throughout this catalog, you will find items that belonged to Jack Olsen during his time as Merchandise Manager for Disneyland. Many of these items are in various stages of development, as Olsen would be in charge of approving them for park sale. These rare and unique items represent an important part of Disneyland history and are lot numbers: 262, 328, 329, 382, 554, 766, 805, 831, 836, and 905.
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382. Pair of (2) Disneyland Magnifying Glass Merchandise Product Samples. (Disneyland, 1960s) A very rare pair of product samples from the collection of Jack Olsen. These magnifying glasses both have their own leather pouch featuring sleek gold-colored Disneyland imagery and text on the surface. Each measures 3.5”x2.5”. In good condition with minimal wear. For more information on Jack Olsen, please refer to page 103 of this catalog. $200-$400 383. Collection of (3) Disneyland Souvenirs from 1960s. (Disneyland, 1960s) Collection of Disneyland souvenirs includes (1) stainless steel and wood bottle opener, (1) copper Mickey Mouse key, and (1) miniature two-blade pocket knife, all from Disneyland in the 1960s. Set is in good condition with minor wear. $200-$400 www.vegalleries.com
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