Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Walt's Special Charm Bracelets for Lilly

By Keith Mahne



Have a look at this beautiful Oscar charm bracelet that Walt had made for Lilly in the early 1960s. Made of 18K gold, the bracelet is fashioned with 20 miniature statuettes, each of which is engraved with the name of the work for which it was awarded. Originally, Walt envisioned having a necklace made with these charms given to him by the Academy; but when Lilly said she’d prefer a bracelet, the tiny statuettes were put into a different design.  After the bracelet was constructed, Lilly wore it often and with great pride. Continue after the page break for more on this wonderful piece of history and another commemorating Snow White...





In her later years, Lilly gave the bracelet to one of her granddaughters, who also treasured the stunning piece. Unfortunately, the bracelet was found missing after a time, apparently stolen by someone who had access to the family home.


Made of 18K gold, the bracelet is fashioned with 20 miniature statuettes, each of which is engraved with the name of the work for which it was awarded.


It wasn’t until a number of years later that the bracelet resurfaced, in the Los Angeles area and now makes its home at the Walt Disney Family Museum where it belongs.




Above is another charm bracelet that makes its home at the WDFM, though of a different nature. Dating back to 1937, the bracelet was designed by Cartier, Inc. with charms featuring the likenesses of Snow White and each of the Seven Dwarfs. Lillian wore the bracelet to the premiere of the film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Carthay Circle Theater in 1937. Walt too owned a piece of Snow White Cartier merchandise: a money clip featuring one of the best beloved dwarfs, Dopey. Both the bracelet and money clip were fashioned from high quality gold and enamel, and represented some of the most exclusive products from a line of merchandise for children as well as adults created around Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.


*********************
 
 
 
 
 
Keith Michael Mahne is the owner and editor of Disney Avenue and the host of the Disney Avenue Podcast. He has made countless trips to the Walt Disney World resort since his first trip in 1989 at the age of four. Keith has a strong passion and respect for Walt Disney, the parks and resorts, and the men and women who help create them. He started Disney Avenue as a way to inform and entertain readers and to repay all those who make dreams come true everyday.
 
 



1 comment: