Exonumia

Anatomy of a mid-1940s Walt Disney photograph

The image in this post arrived on my doorstep several weeks ago in a package sent to me by the family of one of Hank Porter's children. I assume Porter kept a copy of this image as it contained examples of two pieces of combat insignia art he created.

The photograph is unique and interesting on so many different levels. I believe the montage was created in either 1944 or 1945. Over the course of the next couple of weeks I will take one item or a group of items shown in the photo and explain their significance, which in turn will explain why I think this is a mid-1940s photo.

One of my first observations was that Walt Disney is not in the photograph. For some reason, a photo of Disney was used in the creation of the photograph. Why is this? I'm not sure at this point in time. Perhaps a magazine requested a montage at the last possible moment and Walt was away on business, precluding his appearance in person? Speculation on my part, but perfectly feasible.

There are so many interesting items to talk about, so for this first post I'll single out two.

The first is the Academy Award statuette seen in the left margin. That Honorary Special Award was given to Disney in November 1932, in recognition of the creation of Mickey Mouse. To read more about that particular Academy Award ceremony click here. The...

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