Here is a post that I had on my original blog which is definately worth repeating. If you have ever wondered what the deal was with these reproduction cards, you can rest assured that they are rather easy to tell apart from the originals. I just wish that they said “reproduction” or something. But they don’t…so that’s the way it is!
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D23 is the official Disney fan club. It gets its name from the year 1923, when Walt and his brother Roy started the Disney Studio. For a fee, you can join the club and attend their special events held throughout the year. At these events, they will give out collectible “members only” items for the fans as a reward for their loyalty.
A few years back, someone at D23 thought it would be a great idea to reproduce the original 23 postcards that were published for the opening of Disneyland. When I first heard about this set, and saw it for the first time, I was a tad dismayed. Below are two scans, one of the original P11876 card, the other of the D23 reproduction.
While at first glance this could be disturbing, the Disney postcard collector need not panic! There are several characteristics that help distinguish between the cards.
This is the original card P11876 (NT card #0001)
This is the reproduction D23 card
First of all, if you look closely, you’ll note that the reproduction card has been cropped in a little closer. This is the case on most of the D23 cards…but with some of the cards, it is rather subtle. So, if you have the card in front of you, the next clue is the card stock. The original card isn’t your standard postcard stock like the original, but feels thinner and more flexible.
Finally, there is a semi-gloss finish on the reproduction card. It is semi-gloss on both sides. The original card can have a very high gloss on the front if in excellent condition, but will be a matte finish on the back.
So there you have it. For all of you out there who collect these cards, rest assured that passing one of the newer cards off as an older one is “not in the cards”! (Sorry…that was pretty bad.)
Until next time…
Todd,
This morning……April 9, 2013…..I bot a set of these 23 reproduction cards on eBay still in the cellophane wrapper. At $14.95 + postage it didn’t break the bank. I realize these are not rare and never will be. Part of me wants to leave the set in the wrapper and part of me wants to open it up and view the cards. Do you think it would be a mistake to open it up? Thanks.
Hi Charles…well, they only gave these out to D23 members at the event in Anaheim if I am not mistaken. So, they are not exactly super common. As far as opening them is concerned…do whatever you like is my motto. Thanks for the note.
Hi, Charles,
FYI
I recently purchased a sealed set, opened it, and, to my dismay, found that the back of one of the cards was mis-marked. The entire back of card P11881 (The Main Street Ice Cream Parlor showing people dining inside) was repeated on the back of what should be card P11882 (Carnation Corner on Main Street with lamplighter). Hopefully, that was just a dud pack, but there’s no way of knowing until the pack is opened. There may be more out there. I was not successful in asking for a refund from the seller via the eBay Buyer Protection Plan. Oh, well. Maybe the packs with ‘mistakes’ will be more collectible that those that are ‘correct.’ Just thought you’d like to know about my experience.
Interesting…I will check my cards and see what I find…I hadn’t noticed that error before.
Update.
As promised, the seller was getting ready to mail me a replacement card and found that his set was similarly misprinted. I hope your set is a good one!
I have a p.s.
The seller just offered me a replacement card for the mis-marked one in the pack I purchased, which I really appreciate. So my story has a happy ending.
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I found some original postcards in my great aunts items (she just passed at 99)
One card looks exactly like the one above. Mint condition and never beeen sent . How much is the going rate?