Disney Pins Guide: All About Dangle Pins

Exploring the Evolution of Disney Dangle Pins: A Collector’s Journey

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Disney dangle pins! Disney Pins are unique collectibles that have delighted fans for decades, each telling its own story. And dangles, have a charm all of their own. While we can’t cover every dangle pin ever created, we’ll highlight several standout designs that mark key milestones in Disney pin collecting history.

Disney dangle pins showcase incredible creativity and have evolved over time to expand on Disney’s every evolving storytelling. Certain designs stand out as pivotal moments, making these articulated pins treasured by collectors worldwide.

So, what exactly is a “dangle pin”? Opinions among collectors differ on what specifically qualifies as a dangle. But I define it as two or more connected pieces linked to create movement. This dynamic design adds an interactive element that makes all dangle pins truly special.

Tracing the history of dangle pins has its challenges. Records and images of Disney pins and jewelry from earlier years are scarce. Thus, many originals were either lost or tucked away into private collections. However, we’ll share verified dangle pin examples that offer a glimpse into their rich history.

We’ve been collecting Disney pins since 2000, when pin trading exploded throughout Disney as a sought-after collectible souvenir. While we’re not experts, we love learning about the history and lore of all Disneyana and sharing these discoveries with others. After all, each Disney pin feels like a small piece of Disney’s legacy.

As we explore further, you’ll see how dangle pins have grown in creativity and popularity. From small name attachments or playfully swinging characters to intricate limited editions, Disney dangle pins continue to inspire and captivate collectors everywhere. Let’s get started!

Key Characteristics of Disney Pins with Dangle Elements

Disney dangle pins stand out for their unique design, which sets them apart from standard Disney trading pins. Although collectors have varying opinions on the exact definition, certain traits are widely accepted within the pin community.

The key feature of every dangle pin is its moving element—a secondary piece that swings freely from the main pin. This interactive design adds a playful touch to collecting. These dangling elements often feature favorite characters, celebrate events, or highlight iconic Disney symbols. Over time, designs have grown more diverse, showcasing Disney’s creativity and innovative pin-making techniques.

Another defining trait is the hanging mechanism. Most dangle pins use metal loops or delicate chains to attach the dangling piece. Loops offer durability, while chains create fluid motion and allow for longer extensions. To keep these connection points in good condition and avoid losing a treasured charm, handle pins carefully during trading and storage.

Exploring Disney Dangle Pins: A Journey Through the 1930s

Purpose: This 1938 Disney pin served a stylish and practical purpose as a sweater clip or clasp. It allowed girls to drape sweaters over their shoulders without using the sleeves. Its whimsical design made it especially popular with young girls, combining charm with the practicality of keeping sweaters in place.

Inspiration: Inspired by Disney’s first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938), the pin featured Snow White and Doc. Released alongside the film, it gave fans a way to celebrate the movie while offering a functional accessory.

Manufacturer: The Brier Manufacturing Company, a prominent costume jewelry maker, created this pin. From 1935 to 1942, Brier held a licensing deal with Disney to produce jewelry featuring Disney characters. Later rebranded as Little Nemo, the company became known for crafting pieces inspired by popular culture.

Dangle Component: The pin includes a functional dangle element, with Snow White and Doc connected by a gold chain. The chain allows both figures to hang from opposite sides of a sweater, combining practicality with an eye-catching design.

Product Description: Snow White appears in her iconic yellow and blue dress, radiating a graceful expression. Doc, dressed in brown and red, balances her on the opposite side of the chain. Together, their playful designs add personality to the sweater clasp. The gold chain forms a smooth arc, blending functionality with Disney’s early charm.

1940s: Pinocchio and Cleo (1940)

Purpose: These jewelry pieces offered a practical and stylish design, similar to the earlier Snow White pin. They combined functionality with Disney character elements, allowing young girls to drape sweaters over their shoulders. These accessories added a whimsical charm while serving a useful purpose.

Inspiration: Inspired by Disney’s second full-length animated feature, Pinocchio (1940), these pieces brought beloved characters to life. They allowed fans to celebrate the film by turning a practical accessory into a wearable piece of Disney magic.

Manufacturer: Produced by Brier Manufacturing Company, a leading name in costume jewelry with a licensing agreement with Disney from 1935 to 1942.

Dangle Component: This design featured Pinocchio and Cleo, his pet fish, connected by a decorative chain. The chain acted as both a functional link and a playful detail, letting the characters dangle with charm and movement.

Product Description: Pinocchio appears in his blue jacket and yellow hat adorned with a red feather, holding a green book. Cleo, the bright orange fish, pops with red lips and yellow fins. These vibrant elements, linked by a delicate chain, create a charming and stylish tribute to Pinocchio and its timeless characters.

1950s: Disneyland’s Opening Commemorative Locket

Purpose: This charming photo locket was made to hold four small photographs, offering both functionality and a sentimental keepsake.

Inspiration: Released in 1955, the locket coincided with Disneyland’s opening, capturing the excitement of that historic year and Disney’s magic.

Manufacturer: Produced by CORO, a leading costume jewelry maker of the mid-20th century founded by Emanual Cohn & Carl Rosenberger. CORO, with a Disney license, created many iconic Disney jewelry pieces in the 1940s and 1950s.

Dangle Component: The locket hangs from an elegant silver bow, adding a graceful and refined touch.

Product Description: Shaped like a storybook, the locket features Sleeping Beauty Castle in relief, with “Disneyland” inscribed at the bottom. A spring-loaded mechanism opens the locket to reveal four photo spaces. The back is engraved with “1955 (C) WALT DISNEY PROD.” and “Coro (C), PATENT PENDING,” marking its connection to Disney and CORO’s craftsmanship.

1960s: EVG-Wanderung Hiking Club Recognition Medal

Purpose & Inspiration: Awarded in 1966 for participation in the EVG-Wanderung hiking club in Germany, this medal recognized membership and involvement in club events. While the details of the award remain unclear, it served as a memorable keepsake of the hiking experience.

Manufacturer: Designed by B. Leib, though there is limited information available about the designer.

Dangle Component: The medal hangs from a chain attached to a rectangular base. A pewter-like piece shaped like a traditional German hiking hat with dark green ribbon trim dangles from the chain. Mickey Mouse, on the left, and Donald Duck, on the right, are shown walking, with Mickey holding a hiking stick.

Product Description: Mickey wears his red and black outfit, while Donald sports blue with a red tie. The two characters set off on their hiking journey, bringing a playful touch to the award.

1970s Patriotic Mickey Medal by Napier: A Classic Disney Pin with Dangle Design

Purpose: This pin combines Mickey Mouse with patriotic colors and military medal styling, aligning Disney with American pride. It reflects a time when national unity and strength were central themes.

Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from military award medals, the design is similar to brooches by Napier during World War II. This was an era when medal-style pins were in vogue.

Manufacturer: Crafted by Napier, known for their custom jewelry in the 1950s to 1990s, this pin showcases their signature craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Dangle Component: The central medallion features Mickey Mouse’s iconic profile in relief, surrounded by a ring of stars and a beaded border, reminiscent of military and presidential medals.

Product Description: A gold-toned medallion hangs from a red, white, and blue ribbon bar, blending elegance with patriotic spirit.

1980s Disney Pins: Souvenir Collection

Purpose & Inspiration: This pin was designed as an affordable keepsake, giving guests a tangible memory of their visit to Disney. It became a nostalgic memento, offering a cost-effective way to capture the magic of the experience.

Manufacturer: The backstamp “Walt Disney Taiwan” marks a shift in production, with Disney starting to take control over offshore manufacturing.

Dangle Component: The pin features a dangling element at the bottom, showcasing either Walt Disney World or Disneyland. There were two different pins. One with Minnie Mouse in red and another with Donald Duck in blue.

Product Description: One design shows Donald Duck trying to launch a kite. The other shows Minnie Mouse dancing happily beneath a rainbow, with fluffy clouds in the background. They capture the cheerful, whimsical spirit of the Disney.

1990s Pin Design: Recognition and Celebration

The 1990s marked a boom in Disney pin production, with many new designs emerging. A major highlight was the 1999 Millennium Celebration at EPCOT, which ran from October 1999 to January 2001. During this event, over 60 variations of the Village Series dangle pins were produced, attracting collectors.

The Disney Store, which opened in 1987, played a key role in expanding Disney merchandise, including pins. Part of that expansion was two cast member’s only 101 Dalmatians pins awarded through the secret shopper program in the 1990s. Cast members at stores earning a perfect score of 101 for exceptional customer service received these coveted pins. They’re prized not only for their rarity but also for their whimsical design. These pins feature a smiling Lucky, a white spotted puppy in a red collar from the animated feature101 Dalmatians. These pins appeared on a colorful background with the years 1998 or 1999.

Purpose & Inspiration: This pin was a reward to Disney Store cast members that earned a perfect 101 score from secret shoppers. Cast members could earn additional “bone” dangles awards to add to the rings on the bottom edge. Stores were challenged to earn up to four bone dangles each year!

Manufacturer: The backstamp “Walt Disney Taiwan” on the main body marks Disney’s shift to managing its own offshore production.

Dangle Component: The pin features a white enamel rectangular “bone” tag hanging from short interlocking chains with 101 on it. The “bone” was decorated with “101” and paw prints. It connects the pin to the animated feature 101 Dalmatians, and the live-action remake starring Glenn Close.

Product Description: The pin features a playful Dalmatian puppy with black spots, a red collar, and a joyful expression. The puppy sits on a yellow oval with “1998” printed on it. A similar version was available in 1999 with a teal oval to continue to inspire cast members to achieve perfect scores during the next year.

2000 to Present: The Rise of Limited Edition Disney Pins with Dangle Features

Disney continues to produce traditional jewelry, but the souvenir pin market has seen explosive growth. What began as a fun fashion statement for a lapel or a simple keepsake, has evolved into a sought-after collectible. There seems to be no sign of this hobby slowing as new Disney releases new movies and characters, allowing imagineers to create more innovative pins.

Purpose: Originally designed as affordable souvenirs for park visitors, Disney pins have now transformed into high-demand, limited edition collectibles, especially for special events and holidays.

Inspiration: Today, Disney pins celebrate every aspect of the Disney experience, from seasonal themes to milestone events. Event-based pins and those commemorating special anniversaries have become particularly popular among collectors. Thus, offering a unique way to celebrate and relive these special moments.

Manufacturer: Most modern Disney pins feature the Disney copyright and are typically produced outside the United States.

Special Features of Disney Dangle Pins

1. Multiple Attachments: Some pins now feature intricate dangle elements with multiple attachment points, highlighting enhanced creativity and craftsmanship.
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Elements: A fun and playful touch, especially for designs tied to nighttime events or whimsical themes, adding extra charm to the pieces.
3. Variety of Connectors: From chains to spring-like attachments, these pins have become wearable art, with moving parts that provide an interactive experience.

Since the surge in Disney pins’ popularity after 2000, the variety available to collectors has exploded. These pins now celebrate a wide range of Disney themes and moments, making them even more captivating for enthusiasts.

Disney Pins Celebrating Special Moments

1. The Seasons: From the vibrant blooms of spring to the enchanting winter wonderlands, Disney pins capture the magic of every season, reflecting the festive spirit year-round.
2. Key Park Dates and Anniversaries: Special pins are created to commemorate significant milestones, such as park openings, resort anniversaries, and the launch of Disney cruise ships, making them treasured keepsakes for fans.
3. Holidays: Holiday-themed pins, featuring beloved characters like Mickey and friends in Halloween costumes or festive Christmas outfits, are especially popular among collectors, adding to the magic of each holiday.
4. New Movie Releases & Anniversaries: Pin designs are often introduced to celebrate new movie releases or to mark the anniversaries of Disney classics, allowing fans to celebrate both new and nostalgic moments in Disney history.

Disney Pins for Events and Attractions

1. Special Events: Pins themed around events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and the Oogie Boogie Bash have become must-haves for any Disney pin collection.
2. Attractions: New attractions bring with them exclusive pins, giving collectors a special keepsake of their visit to the latest Disney experiences.
3. Characters: Whether it’s beloved icons like Mickey and Minnie or rare characters that only the most dedicated fans will recognize, character-themed pins continue to be fan favorites.

Festival and Convention Collectibles

1. Festivals: Pins are released for events like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival and the International Food & Wine Festival, celebrating Disney’s worldwide appeal and the spirit of these festive occasions.
2. Opening Days & Anniversaries: Special pins commemorate the opening of new attractions or mark the anniversaries of beloved classics, serving as lasting reminders of Disney’s rich history.
3. Conventions: Exclusive pins are available at Disney conventions like D23, where attendees can snag unique designs that aren’t sold anywhere else.

The collectible appeal of Disney pins grew with the introduction of limited-edition and event-specific designs, creating a specialized market. Their limited availability, tied to park events, openings, and anniversaries, increased their desirability. Disney also launched pin trading events and special pin groups, transforming the hobby into a community-driven experience.

While it’s impossible to cover every variation of Disney dangle pins over the years, we hope this overview offers a glimpse into the origins of today’s beloved souvenirs.

The Evolution of Disney Pins: From Practical to Collectible

The Journey from Whimsical Jewelry to Iconic Collectibles

In the 1930s, Disney fans showed their affection for characters through fun, fashionable jewelry. The first notable Disney pin, a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sweater clasp, was a functional piece of jewelry that doubled as a collectible. These pieces were treasured not just for their utility but for the connection they created between Disney fans and their favorite characters. Over time, this humble beginning evolved into a category of highly coveted collectibles, often carefully stored in protective sheets to ensure their longevity.

Shifting from Licensed Jewelry to Disney’s Own Designs

In the early days, Disney partnered with external licensees like Brier, CORO, and Napier to create premium Disney jewelry. These partnerships produced some of the most iconic Disney jewelry pieces. But as Disney’s vision for its merchandise grew, they took full control over design and production. This move allowed Disney to ensure the consistency of their products and proudly showcase their trademark on each piece, marking the beginning of Disney’s direct involvement in the collectible pin market.

From Simple Tags to Artistic Presentation

In the beginning, companies like Brier (later Little Nemo) used simple paper tags to display Disney pins, with an emphasis on practicality. However, as Disney’s collectible pins gained popularity, the presentation began to evolve. Pin cards, once a mere afterthought, soon became part of the collectible experience, transforming into artistic creations in their own right. This change added to the appeal of the pins, turning them from simple souvenirs into beautiful pieces of art that captured the imagination of Disney fans.

Vintage Jewelry to Collectible Art

What started as vintage Disney-themed jewelry has now evolved into a cherished category of collectibles. Disney pins are no longer just about the characters; they are valued for their artistic appeal, craftsmanship, and the creativity behind each design. The evolution from functional pieces of jewelry to valuable collectible art shows how Disney has cultivated an ever-growing fan base eager to acquire new, beautiful pins.

From a Few Classic Characters to an Expansive Universe

Initially, Disney pins were simple, featuring just a handful of beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto. However, over the years, Disney has expanded their pin collection to include hundreds of different designs, showcasing a wide range of characters, themes, and innovative effects like glow-in-the-dark and dangle features. This vast expansion speaks to the incredible creativity behind Disney pin designs, making sure that there’s something for every Disney fan, whether they’re drawn to classic characters or new releases.

From Special Releases to Weekly Pin Drops

Originally, Disney pins were tied to major movie releases and special events. But as the demand for pins grew, Disney began releasing new pins more frequently, debuting new designs every week. This change reflects the increasing enthusiasm for pin trading and collecting, with Disney continually expanding its offerings to satisfy the eager fan base.

Improving Materials: From Plastic to Premium Finishes

When Disney pins first emerged, they were made from plastic, alloys, and enamel, which allowed for colorful and accessible designs. However, as pin trading became a global phenomenon, Disney upgraded their materials to enhance the quality and durability of their pins. The introduction of high-quality materials like cloisonné, semi-cloisonné, and hard-enamel resulted in smoother, more durable pins that were also more visually stunning.

1. Cloisonné: This technique involves placing enamel in small metal compartments, creating a crisp and vibrant finish that stands up to the test of time.
2. Semi-Cloisonné: A simpler version of cloisonné, it offers a glossy, durable finish at a more cost-effective price point.
3. Hard-Enamel: This finish is smooth and glossy, more durable than regular enamel, and gives the pin a polished, premium look.

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