Walt Disney's Donald Duck (Dell Comics Issue #80)
Comic Book, Print on Newsprint • Published by Dell Publishing; Cover art typically attributed to Carl Barks or Tony Strobl (Disney Studio artists).
Style & Movement
Mid-Century American Illustration / Golden Age-Silver Age transition Comic Art.
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography and 4-color process (CMYK) printing on commercial newsprint with a semi-glossy cover stock.
Creation Period
November - December 1961
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 7 x 10 inches; standard American comic book format (Portrait).
Subject Description
Front cover depicting Donald Duck holding a rug beater, looking puzzled as the flower patterns fall off a rug hanging on a clothesline. Includes promotional text for a Disneyland sweepstakes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible spine wear, creasing, and corner blunting consistent with age and handled use.
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $40.00 USD (based on current raw condition).
Auction Estimate
$20.00 - $50.00 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial publication; no specific individual collection marks visible, originally sold for 10 cents at retail newsstands.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the height of Disney's dominance in the comic book industry via Dell Publishing, reflecting 1960s suburban Americana themes and early cross-promotion with the Disneyland theme park.
Notable Features
Features the 'Dell' logo in the top left, the '10 cent' price point, and a 'Win a Trip to Disneyland' promotional arrow.
Condition Issues
Significant spine roll, minor tearing along the left edge, yellowing/oxidation of newsprint (tanning), and surface creasing.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free Mylar sleeve with a buffered backing board; keep in a temperature-controlled, low-UV light environment to prevent further acidification.