Davy Crockett: 1950s Television Memorabilia and Frontier Collectibles
Davy Crockett collectibles center on the extraordinary merchandising phenomenon generated by the Walt Disney television miniseries "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier," starring Fess Parker, which aired on ABC in 1954-1955. The show triggered the greatest licensing craze of the 1950s, with over $300 million in merchandise sold within a single year. Coonskin caps, lunch boxes, clothing, toys, and hundreds of other licensed products flooded the American market, and these vintage items are now actively collected.
Historical Background
- Davy Crockett (1786-1836): Tennessee frontiersman, U.S. Congressman, and folk hero who died at the Alamo
- 1954-1955: Disney produces five Davy Crockett episodes for the "Disneyland" TV series; Fess Parker stars
- 1955: "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" becomes a #1 hit record; coonskin cap craze sweeps America
- 1955-1956: Over 3,000 licensed Davy Crockett products flood the market
- 1956: The craze subsides nearly as quickly as it arose, leaving vast quantities of merchandise
Types of Collectibles
- Coonskin caps: The iconic raccoon-tail cap; millions sold during the craze
- Lunch boxes and thermoses: Metal lunch boxes by Adco-Liberty and others
- Clothing: Fringed jackets, T-shirts, pajamas, and frontier-themed outfits
- Toys: Cap guns, powder horns, frontier playsets, and action figures
- Records and sheet music: "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" in multiple versions
- Books and comics: Dell comic books, Golden Books, and coloring books
- Household items: Bedspreads, curtains, wallpaper, dishes, and drinking glasses
- Watches and jewelry: Branded timepieces and children's accessories
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Metal lunch box with thermos | $50 - $200 | Mint/near-mint: $300 - $800 |
| Coonskin cap (original 1950s) | $20 - $60 | In original packaging: $100 - $250 |
| Cap gun with holster | $40 - $150 | Complete frontier set: $200 - $500 |
| Fringed jacket (child's) | $30 - $80 | With original tags: $100 - $250 |
| Dell comic book | $15 - $50 | First issue, high grade: $100 - $400 |
| Powder horn toy | $20 - $60 | Boxed: $80 - $200 |
| Drinking glass or mug | $10 - $30 | Complete set: $60 - $150 |
| Disney store display | $200 - $800 | Large or elaborate: $1,000 - $3,000 |
Condition Factors
- Lunch boxes: Scratches, rust, and dents are common from childhood use; pristine examples are rare and valuable
- Clothing: Moth damage, stains, and wear are typical; unused examples with tags are the most desirable
- Cap guns: Working mechanisms, intact grips, and original finish are important; most show play wear
- Paper items: Comic books, coloring books, and trading cards should be complete and unfaded
- Packaging: Original boxes, hang tags, and header cards dramatically increase value for any item
Collecting Tips
- The sheer volume of products produced means many items remain available at moderate prices
- Mint-in-box or mint-on-card examples command exponential premiums over loose items
- Disney-licensed items generally command higher prices than generic frontier merchandise from the same era
- Lunch boxes are the single most collected Davy Crockett item category
- The craze overlaps with the later Daniel Boone TV show (1964-1970), and many collectors pursue both
- Store displays, advertising materials, and point-of-sale items are rarer than consumer products and increasingly valued
- Condition is everything in this market; heavily played-with items may have nostalgic appeal but limited monetary value