Signed book: Ivanhoe. Private edition. San Francisco: Bohemian Club, 1936. Hardcover, 5.25 x 8, 107 pages. Signed on the inside front cover and opening pages by 28 members of the Bohemian Club, highlighted by a wonderful pencil sketch of Mickey Mouse, signed underneath, “Walt Disney.” Other members have signed in ink or pencil, and include: Charles G. Norris, Harry I. Weil, G. S. Brush, Matt C. Brush, Frank J. Frost, John Thomas, Fred S. Myrtle, Irvin S. Cobb, Joseph Blethen, Rogers F. Shoemaker, Frank Van Sloun, adding a self-portrait caricature, Ferdinand Burgdorff, adding a full page owl sketch, Rafael Kubeli, Saul Blythe, Marshall Dill, Jerome Landfield,Clarence Cowan, Chet Woolsey, and Dave Garland. In fine condition, with some scattered mild toning, a bit of light soiling over Disney’s sketch from pencil transfer of Burgdoff’s sketch, and some sunning to spine and boards. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Phil Sears.
Contrary to popular perception, Disney never completely animated a single Mickey Mouse cartoon or drew a single Mickey comic. He would, on those rare occasions, offer a quickly constructed version of his iconic figure. To that end, a drawing of Mickey in Disney’s hand is a very rare item, indeed, often with years passing between quality offerings appearing for sale. Such an elusive “on the spot” drawing is provided here, as Disney acknowledged—perhaps after a bit of wining and dining—a special request from a member of the Bohemian Club. Perhaps it was during this very encounter that Disney was “inspired” by his elite—and mundane—surroundings to develop the snoring scene in the dwarfs’ cottage in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This example is truly among the rarest of the rare. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
