Mickey Mouse 50 th anniversary knife

353

353

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Feb 20, 2015
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Hi guys. Got hold of some of these.

Just wondered if anybody know more about them, they are supposed to be from 1978 and made in England by Richards.

Do they have any value as a collectors item?

Thanks.

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There are six motifs.

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I'm located in the US and don't often see knives from Richards but the older 1930s and 1950s Imperials with Mickey are common on the big auction site. You might check the completed auctions for those knives to get an idea of demand and values. The knives from Richards were inexpensive so they are probably of greater value to a Disney collector than to a knife collector. I know someone whose spouse works for Disney and their home is full of Disney stuff.
 
Nice to see those :) My dad worked for Richards, and these are typical of the style of knife they produced. Older models at least had decent steel, but by 1978, Richards were on their last legs, and were actually owned by Imperial. Because so many were produced, the British market is flooded with old Richards knives (and 1978 would certainly not be considered 'old'), so even old ones command low prices. As OH says, you might get better prices from collectors of Disney memorabilia. I'd definitely be up for a Donald Duck! :D :thumbsup:
 
Dan of Bazz Clazz said:
What exactly is a "safety blade"? Rubber? :)
Click to expand...

Sounds like the standard unsharpened 70's Richard blade! :eek: :D I were using stainless by then, but immediately before that, they chrome-plated their carbon blades - awful! o_O
 
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A's far as I know and I could certainly be wrong but when we took our daughter to Disney I scoured Florida and Disney lookin' for a Disney knife, the only souvenir I wanted. Found watches and pens but no official knives. I found a juvenile cutlery set, (kid's fork, knife & spoon set) but no folding knife. Everyone I asked said there was no official knife but one maintenance guy, an old ride mechanic told me when Disney first opened their doors in Anaheim they had a knife souvenir knife made but it was never registered, copyrighted or trademarked anyone other than Imperial on the knife. When pressed about the knife he said for a couple of years in the 30s (1936-38) Imperial made them with Mickey on the covers and again in the 50s with Davy Crockett on the covers.

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Other than these as far as I know, nothing else is legit. My reference is in the link.
 
Did some searcing, not much found but some:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-donald-duck-walt-disney-460419044

Quote:

"Rare Vintage Donald Duck Walt Disney Richards of Sheffield Souvenir Pocket Knife
This is a rare find. I bought these from an old gentleman antique collector who lived in California. This knife is very rare and seldom seen.The knife is new and in mint condition. I believe the knives where sold in the 1970's at Disneyland. The knife was made with safety tip and byRichard of Sheffield England Cutlerys. You'll see a picture of how the knives were displayed in the Disneyland stores.Knife Dimensions: 3 1/4 closed, and 5 5/8 opened"

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Legit? I really don't know. I'll add that I passed on the deal of buying the knives.
 
That looks like typical Richards packaging, and it's their 70's logo. I don't think anyone ever faked a Richards knife, and doubt Imperial would have attempted to defraud Disney by producing an unlicensed knife - worse than going up against the Mob! :eek: :D
 
I can't imagine Disneyland selling knives these days. Back in the 1960's and early 70's when they actually had attractions like the Keelboats, and Frontierland, you could have sold them. I know Knott's (just down the road) did sell knives from the gunshop/archery range for a long time. I've often wondered what would have happened if I'd bought that concession when I had the chance.
 
I wonder why Disney would have contracted with a British company instead of using a local shop like Camillus...
Either way, an interesting find but probably not going to pay for your kids to go to college:)
 
These knives were indeed produced by Richards in Sheffield in the 1970s and early 1980s. Richards was actually owned by Imperial at that time but sadly went out of business in 1983, just a year after Imperial had sold Richards to another firm. Enclosed is a Richards catalog image from 1980 (their last catalog) showing the Disney models. These new old stock packaged knives come up for sale quite frequently and I suspect that there was a healthy stockpile of unsold knives when the factory closed in 1983.

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Hi there 353, Do you still have any of these? I am looking for 2 in particular if you do?

Thanks.
 
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