Front Description
This listing is for a reproduction of the first Disneyland employee badge #1 issued to Walt Disney himself. It was made available for purchase to those who visited the Archives store at the 2011 D23 Expo in Anaheim during the weekend of August 19-21.
It is made of brass and measures 2 1/2" inches wide by 2" high at the top of the classic D Disneyland crest attached as a 3D element to the top center of the badge and extending above it. The crest is of a lighter more polished brass than the badge. The crest has no paint on it, like some of the original badges issued a little after the park opened. In the middle of the badge is the engraved (stamped) word DISNEYLAND in blue script letters, and around the entire edge of the badge is a series of asterisks also in blue paint. Below the center of the word Disneyland is a brass oval attached (epoxied) as a 3D element with the number "1" engraved (stamped) in its center and filled in with the same blue paint. Comparing this reproduction to an original circa late 1950's badge, such as pin #31593, the top crest, employee number and straight pin back were riveted through the front of those badges, whereas this reproduction has no rivets.
The back of this pin is smooth brass with a safety locking straight pin epoxied horizontally near the top. Above that is a small eye loop attached near the top horizontally. Below the straight pin is the Walt Disney Archives crest logo. Below that is the word "REPRODUCTION". Below that it has (c)Disney, and below that it has Limited Edition of 1955.
It comes in a black velvet box. On the lids inside cover, printed in color on satin cloth, is the Walt Disney Archives Crest Logo and the following words:
Walt Disney's Disneyland Badge #1
In the early years of Disneyland, hosts and hostesses were issued badges inscribed with their employee numbers. It wasn't until 1962 that their names were inscribed on the name tag, starting a tradition that continues in all Disney theme parks to this day.
The Walt Disney Archives is proud to present this faithful reproduction of the original brass Disneyland employee badge. Recently discovered in the Walt Disney Archives among Roy O. Disney's personal files, this "badge #1" was assigned to Walt Disney, who proudly showed it to Disneyland Ambassador Julie Reihm and audiences in the Disneyland 10th Anniversary show.
Also available at the Reagan Library in July 2012.
As of 6/19/13 This pin is being sold on Disneystore.com its Item No. 6804055940761P, Only available to D23 members.
Back Description
