The Donald Duck camera was manufactured by the Herbert George Company of Chicago Illinois and commissioned by Walt Disney Productions in 1946. It was constructed of a rigid shock-resistant Bakelite plastic with a molded built-in view finder located on the top of the camera. It was capable of capturing twelve exposures, 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 inch in size, on number 127 color or black & white roll film. It featured a fixed focus lens and simple leaf shutter that was approximately 1/30 of a second. This was the first camera patented by George L. Isreal in 1946. The original models were olive drab color, with later ones in black. The back featured a unique embossed artwork of the Disney characters, Donald and his Nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie. This camera design was also used for several other models including the Happi-Time, Herco 12, and Roy Rogers Jr. On the inside you will find the patient number,”D-141846” This number corresponds to the submitted general drawing of this camera to the patient office. The patent dates from July 10, 1945. It was deposited by George L. Israel, for one 14 year duration. It protects the design of the camera. It is specified that the part resembling bellows is rigid and is not telescopic. The inside back cover also tells you to use #127, A8 or G27 film. The number of cameras made is unknown but the price was $2.98 unless you were at Disney Land then it probably was $10.00 I’m sure. The Herbert George Company had contests you could enter using a form on the Donald Duck camera advert sheet found in newspapers and kid friendly magazines. The contest reads,” YOUCAN WIN WONDERFUL PRIZES WITH YOUR DONALD DUCK CAMERA”, and the advert went,” Quick as a Quack take a picture of Jack and all of your playmates with Donald duck real camera!” You used the form and submitted your best pictures to have a chance at a prize.

I just picked one up at a small vintage decor shop for $15.
Mint condition but no box.
It was being displayed with other toys.
Very please with my find.