Icons of Animation Auction (V)

One of my absolute favorite items in Saturday's auction!

272. ORIGINAL PAINTED WOOD MICKEY MOUSE THAT HUNG ON WALT’S PERSONAL 1963 GRUMMAN G-159 GULFSTREAM I AIRPLANE. Original hand-painted Mickey Mouse, doffing his cap and wearing pilot’s attire. This unique sign was mounted on the retractable stairs of Walt Disney’ personal airplane, a 1963 Grumman G-159 Gulfstream. Walt Disney and his Imagineers used this place to scout out the location for Walt Disney World in Florida. The sign is constructed of wood with a tail of rubber, completely hand-painted and detailed. It measures 22 in. tall x 21 in. wide. The “welcome aboard” portion of the sign is no longer present, exhibits slight scuffing and wear; otherwise, remarkable condition. A wonderful piece of Disneyana, certainly one of the most unique items ever to come up for auction. $6,000 – $8,000 [Did not sell.]

How cool is that??? The Gulfstream was later also used to fly entertainers like Fulton Burley around the States to different promotional venues, then was repainted and re-upholstered during the 90's, and now is retired and rests in Walt Disney World as prop on the back lot tour through Disney's Hollywood Studios.
At least it was there in November 2008.Ever the tourist...