1934 DISNEY & SPANISH TOY COMPANY CONTRACT & LETTERS.
Item Description
This historic lot consists of the official license agreement between Walt Disney Enterprises and Spanish toy manufacturer Francisco Peña Torres in 1934. 8.5x12-5/8" binder (w/"Mickey Mouse" sticker/seal on front cover) contains eight-page contract which has been signed by Pierre De Beneducci, the exclusive Disney representative for Spain, Italy and Portugal. Previously it was believed that Rogelio Sanchís obtained the first official Spanish Disney license (dated Sept. 6, 1934), however this contract reveals that is not the case. In fact, it was Pierre De Beneducci who signed the license for Spanish toy manufacturer Rogelio Sanchís R.S La Isla on behalf of Disney. This contract is dated Sept 3, 1934, predating the Rogelio Sanchís R.S La Isla contract by three days. Contract notes Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow, "The Goof" (Goofy), Pluto, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf by name, noting that any toys produced were to be credited as "Disney Creations." Contract also notes that Francisco Peña Torres would not be able to distribute or sell any Disney toys w/o first obtaining written approval of sample sent to Spanish, Portuguese and Italian agencies for inspection. Contract notes Walt Disney Enterprises would receive 5% of total sales, effective Jan. 1, 1935 for duration of one year (w/option to renew). As noted in contract. Francisco Peña Torres was required to pay 1,500 pesetas (Spain's former currency) to formally begin processing the contract. Each page of the contract has been initialed in ink by Pierre De Beneducci, who has also signed last page in full. Contract binder shows scattered aging and top half of Mickey Mouse sticker/seal has been glued in place. Binder is Fine overall. Contract pages are evenly aged and have some scattered dust soiling/fingerprints but are o/w VF. Contract comes w/two typed letters. First is on Pierre De Beneducci's personal "Walt Disney Enterprises - Mickey Mouse" letterhead (w/Mickey Mouse image and addresses of US, UK, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish offices) and is dated Sept. 15, 1934. Letter notes receipt of the 1,500 pesetas noted in the contract. Pierre De Beneducci has boldly signed in ink. Folded as mailed and evenly aged. VF. Other letter is on Francisco Peña Torres letterhead and is dated May 6, 1939. Extensive letter from Francisco Peña Torres to Santiago Rico, the founder of noted Spanish tin toy company Ibi. Letter explains that Francisco Peña Torres had to flee Spain in Sept. 1936 due to the Spanish Civil War and other factors, including the partial destruction of his toy factory. He recovered what was left of his factory shortly before writing this letter (see expanded online description for full content of letter). Letter has been signed in red pencil w/additional pencil notations at bottom. Folded as mailed. Top left corner has small staple hole and .25" staple pull, but o/w letter is evenly aged and Fine/VF. Any and all Disney contracts/documents such as those offered here are very rare and highly sought after. Incredibly informative and historic.
