Original signed and inscribed fountain pen sketch of Mickey Mouse in profile on an off-white 9 x 6 album page, signed and inscribed “To Charlie, Sincerely, Walt Disney.” The album page has been affixed to the reverse of a vintage unsigned 8 x 10 photo of Disney reading a newspaper. Archivally suede matted and framed with an informational plaque regarding Disney original sketches, to an overall size of 18 x 27. In fine condition, with a touch of mild toning and a small clipped color photo of Disney affixed to top right. The drawing and signature are from 1940, give or take a year or two. Contrary to popular perception, Disney never completely animated a single Mickey Mouse cartoon or drew a single Mickey comic, so a drawing of Mickey in Disney’s hand is a very rare item. Having given up the profession of artist in his early 20s, Disney focused on producing and his drawing skill atrophied into a simple and crude style, and by 1940 he was the head of major film studio employing 600 workers, and didn’t have the hours in the day to create drawings for fans. When something special for a fan was appropriate, Walt usually favored having his studio artists prepare the artwork—complete with a “Walt Disney” signature signed by the employee. But there were occasions when Disney was asked to draw a Mickey Mouse on the spot- often for a VIP Walt could not easily refuse, and a simple but lively Mickey like this was the result. The few of these drawings that do come onto the market are often the result of Disney being in a social situation for an extended time, such as on a cruise ship or train, where he had time…and no escape. While drawings that appear on the market bearing “Walt Disney” signatures signed by studio artists may give the impression that an authentic signed Disney drawing is not uncommon; the fact is that a drawing both accomplished personally and signed personally by Disney himself is very rare item, and considered by many collectors the ultimate Walt Disney collectible. And no character is more closely associated with Walt Disney than Mickey Mouse! COA Phil Sears and R&R COA. Oversized.
