Snow White 'Cottage' Mechanical Valentine Cards

Mechanical greeting cards were all the rage back in the late 1930s. Quite a few Snow White cards were produced including this cottage scene. Snow and the forest animals stand outside.

As the two deer are moved to the left (towards the house) the front door opens. Grumpy is seen inside playing the pipe organ.

The greeting on the face of card reads, "Snow White in amazement stood, While Grumpy pumped away. And I'd be just as happy too..." When the door is open, the rest of the verse is reveal, "...if you'd be mine today."

The fine print along the lower front reads, "Made in U.S.A." and "© 1938 Walt Disney Enterprises." Card measures 6.5" x 4.5".

Images via Kleymann's Closet.

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Another 'cottage' card uses the same layout, but with this one, the Dwarfs are on the outside looking in. No Snow White.

Text reads, "Ho-hum! Ho-hum! It's back from work we've come. And now we find you're on our mind." As Sleepy slides towards the window, the front door opens and the rhyme concludes with, "My Valentine."

Images via oleasy and yaiseth.

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A variation on the cottage card is seen in this third example with the staircase leading up to the dwarfs' bedroom. Text reads: "Who's hiding there behind the door. Hi-ho don't talk so loud. Hurray! it is my Valentine." Slide the tab to the right and the door openings to reveal a sleeping Snow White and the rest of the text, "That I have finally found."

Images via mrpabst1.

See more Valentine's Day mechanical cards in an earlier post.

Mickey Mouse Magazine - 1938 Valentine's Day Issue

Mickey Mouse Magazine featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, February 1938 Volume 3, No. 5, K. K. Publications, Inc. 34 pages.

[CLICK COVER IMAGE TO SUPERSIZE]

Cover image via Bob Fergusson. Used with permission.

There were several incarnations of the Mickey Mouse Magazine. The first series was published in 1933 as a theater and retail store premium. The second version ran from 1933 through to 1935 and was used by national dairies as a giveaway. The third version was a newsstand item that originally sold for 10 cents a copy. Source: Vintage Disney Collectibles

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The February 1938 edition actually contained the second installment of a Snow White serial. The first part began in the January Mickey Mouse Magazine before the film went into general release. The last installment of the story appeared in the March issue (covers below).

MM Magazine V3,#4 Jan.1938; MM Magazine V3,#6 Mar.1938. ImageS via Vintage Collectible Investments and Comic.org.

Snow White serial, February installment.

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In addition to the Snow White serial, the February issue also featured a tale by A. A. Milne ("A Voyage to India"), Goofy and Donald Duck comics, Valentine's Day activities, ads for Whitman Publishing Company's Big Little Books, Snow White outfits for little girls, and on the rear cover--the Ingersoll Mickey Mouse wrist watch.

Images via beamdoggie except where otherwise noted.

Rear Cover. Image via Heritage Auction Galleries.

1938 Mechanical Valentine's Cards

Snow White Sweeping Card...

A "mechanical" Snow White Valentine's Day Card. Move the handle downward and the squirrel appears from behind the broom. Text reads, "YOU ARE THE FAIREST IN THE LAND. IF YOU'LL BE MINE - 'TWILL BE JUST GRAND."

At lower left corner "© 1938 W.D. Ent." At lower right "Made in USA". Card measures 5.875" high.

Above images courtesy of mmmost. Used with permission.

Complete Set of Mechanical Cards. Image via The Collectors Encyclopedia of Disneyana
by David Longest and Michael Stern, p.149, Collector Book 1992.


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Heart-Shaped Cards...

Both cards below marked with "© 1938 W.D. Ent." and "Made in USA". Each measures 5.25” high x 5” wide.

The first reads "THOUGH WITH THE DWARFS I LOVE TO DANCE, I LOOK TO YOU TO FIND ROMANCE. BE MY VALENTINE". Move the handle downward and Snow White and Grumpy's legs "dance".

Second card reads "CHIPMUNKS AND SQUIRRELS AND ALL THE BIRDS ARE SENDING MY HEART WITH THREE LITTLE WORDS. TO MY SWEETHEART.". Move the handle downward and birds fly up to reveal "Love" message. Measures 5.25” high x 5” wide. 

1938 Mechanical Heart Cards. Images courtesy of christmasinprinceton.com. Used with permission.