Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a rare pair of French promotional trade cards featuring early, pie-eyed iterations of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Distributed by 'La Maison Leroux,' a high-end charcuterie in Asnières, France, these cards feature charming sepia-toned illustrations with French captions. They represent the rapid, viral spread of Disney's early characters across Europe through local commercial partnerships.
Story
In the 1930s, Mickey Mouse mania swept Europe, prompting local businesses to license his image. A charcuterie near Paris used these whimsical cards to delight customers. The captions translate to 'Help! A big beast is chasing me!' and 'Look for what I have lost.'
Maker / Origin
La Maison Leroux was a fine charcuterie and gourmet food shop located at 51 Rue des Bourguignons in Asnières-sur-Seine, a northwestern suburb of Paris. During the interwar period, French merchants frequently collaborated with printers to create collectible trade cards (cartons publicitaires) featuring popular culture icons to build customer loyalty.
Condition & Value
The cards appear to be in excellent vintage condition with sharp corners, minimal foxing, and clean edges. The reverse side advertising text remains highly legible with no major staining. Excellent preservation like this commands the higher end of the value range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.