What does the notation on the back of the 3" Animation (Park 3) figure mean?

[Steamboat Willie]

Sorry if this is a dumb question - I can't figure out what the notations on the back of the 3" Animation (Park 3) figure mean. Any ideas?

[SorcererDonald16]

My guess would be it's supposed to be referring to a sketch number and the date the sketch on the front was drawn. The date (10-18-38) may have some Disney Co. significance, but not sure.

For the record, I didn't know the date off the top of my head. I happen to keep that particular vinyl on display in front of my computer monitor!

[qbot86]

My guess would be it's supposed to be referring to a sketch number and the date the sketch on the front was drawn. The date (10-18-38) may have some Disney Co. significance, but not sure.

For the record, I didn't know the date off the top of my head. I happen to keep that particular vinyl on display in front of my computer monitor!

Suuuuuuure you do Just teasing!

[IndyandMarion]

Hmm. Well... Maybe the name change of Walt and Roy's company? Only other things I can think of is something to do with Snow White or Hitler. . . But uh, I doubt it's anything to do with him.

EDIT: It is not a reference to any of the Mickey shorts released in 38. This has me really interested now. Guess I'll keep looking through the Disney Encyclopedia. The only thing I've managed to find pertaining to "Mickey or Silly Symphony shorts" is Farmyard Symphony which was released Oct 14th, 1938.

My lead reference however is still the name change of the production company. Anyone else find anything?

[Steamboat Willie]

Thanks for the responses ... I've found a few references to the dates on the internet ... but nothing related to Disney. A mystery...

I'll keep looking!

[Mouseman74]

The numbers refer to the scene, sequence and frame that the animation cel falls into when making an animated film or short. This is how the animators keep track of the movement and when photographed to put together in the movie/short, this is how the one taking the shots knows what order the cels go in and what section of the film it is to be in.

[Steamboat Willie]

So, it isn't a date? Hmm. Thanks!

[SorcererDonald16]

So, it isn't a date? Hmm. Thanks!

No, part of it's definitely a date.

I understand what you're saying Mouseman, and that accounts for the "Number" portion of the back of that vinyl (M-99-B). There's also the "O.K. by:____" line (I'm assuming this means "Sketch approved by:_____") and the "Date:______" line.

I'm also curious what the date could be referring to, or if it's just random. Neither of Walt's daughters were born on that date, were they? Beyond that, I have no guesses!