Lot of three items: TLS, signed “Walt Disney,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Walt Disney Productions Mickey Mouse Sound Cartoons letterhead, January 31, 1934. Disney writes to “Friend Billy” [cartoonist Billy Hon]. In full: “I have your letter of January 30th, and am sorry to hear that you have been sick, but hope you are snapping out of it in fine shape. I regret we have nothing open in any of the departments at the present time. However, I will keep you in mind and give you consideration at the first opportunity.” Also included: a TLS from Supervising Director Ben Sharpsteen, one page, 8.5 x 11, Walt Disney Productions letterhead, March 1, 1946. Sharpsteen writes to Hon regarding Hon’s cartoon school. In part: “I was particularly pleased to learn that you are once again teaching cartooning…. I shall never forget … the aid you gave me in cartoon work, and the stimulation and priceless encouragement…. I have just finished talking with … our director of new talent, and he has encouraged me to urge you to send over any students whom you feel have exceptional abilities.” In addition to the Disney items, this lot also includes a 1948 TLS to Hon from Blondie cartoonist Chic Young, regarding a visit to Hon’s school; taped to the bottom of the letter is a card with an inscribed printed presentation sketch of the Bumstead clan. Accompanied by a vintage photo of Hon and another unidentified man checking over the work of a student, presumably at Hon’s school. After beginning his career as a cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle, Hon later operated a cartoon school whose graduates included noted animator Ben Sharpsteen (see above), who worked on a number of early Disney classics. The Disney letter is in very good condition, with light edge toning, mailing folds, filing holes to left edge, wrinkling to right side touching the end of Disney’s signature, early tape repairs to verso, and a small light stain to the text. PSA/DNA COA and R&R COA.
