Terrific vintage glossy 7 x 9 photo of a grinning young Disney seated at a desk strewn with several drawings of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, signed and inscribed in ink, “To ‘Doots’ Lessing with my regards & best wishes, Sincerely, Walt Disney.” The original inscribee was possibly Gunther R. Lessing, a Disney employee of nearly four decades who began as head of the studio’s legal department and rose to become vice president and general counsel, or a relative of Lessing’s. Film historians have particularly noted Lessing’s controversial roles in settling the 1940s studio strike and as Disney’s advisor during the infamous hearings before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Handsomely matted and framed with an engraved plaque to an overall size of 20.75 x 23.25. A few faint surface marks and small creases (lightly touching arm and head), and slightly irregular adhesion to a few letters, otherwise fine condition. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA. Oversized.
