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1930 Mickey Mouse Book – Bibo & Lang – First Edition, First Issue
The First Disney Book Ever Published | Complete Original Game Pieces | Documented Family Provenance | Museum-Quality UV-Protective Display Included
A Landmark in Walt Disney History
Offered for sale is an exceptional example of the 1930 Mickey Mouse Book, published by Bibo and Lang of New York and credited to Walter E. Disney.
Recognized as the first Disney book ever published, this historically significant publication represents the beginning of Disney’s remarkable legacy in book publishing.
Produced just two years after Mickey Mouse’s 1928 debut, the book captures the character during the earliest years of his rise to international fame.
This example is identified as a First Edition, First Issue, retaining the distinguishing characteristics of the original 1930 printing.
Of particular importance, the book is complete, including its original game board and playing-piece pages, with all original game pieces still attached and unpunched.
The book also features documented family provenance dating to an Iowa estate sale in the early 1980s and includes a custom museum-quality UV-protective acrylic enclosure manufactured by Red Wolf Collectibles.
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FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE — ORIGINAL 1930 PRINTING
This example exhibits the four distinguishing characteristics identified in the previous owner’s detailed description of the original 1930 first issue:
1. Bobette Bibo’s Age
The first page following the title page does not identify Bobette Bibo as being 11 years old beneath her name, a distinguishing feature of the first issue.
2. Absence of Comic Strip on Page 8
The comic strip that appeared in subsequent issues is absent from page 8.
3. Absence of “Printed in the USA”
The words “Printed in the USA” do not appear on the front cover, consistent with the original first issue.
4. Original Song Lyrics on Page 14
The lyrics to Mickey Mouse (You Cute Little Feller) retain the original wording, including the phrase “kill him” on page 14.
Additional First-Issue Characteristics
The book retains the original “Walter E. Disney” copyright and features green-and-black illustrations by Walter Disney Studios.
It also contains an early written history of Mickey Mouse and one of the earliest caricatures of Walt Disney.
According to the previous owner’s bibliographic description, the first issue was printed in autumn 1930 and distributed primarily through movie theaters.
A second issue followed in December 1930, with four issues of the first edition reportedly published between 1930 and 1931.
These characteristics support the book’s identification as a First Edition, First Issue. The identification is based on the previous owner’s documentation and has not been independently certified.
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COMPLETE ORIGINAL GAME BOARD AND PLAYING PIECES
One of the most important features of this example is its completeness.
The book retains both its original game board page and playing-piece page.
All original game pieces remain attached and unpunched.
These interactive components were intended to be removed and used, making their survival an especially appealing feature for collectors seeking complete examples.
According to the previous owner, all pages are intact, with no known restoration or replaced pages.
The complete game-piece page is photographed for prospective buyers to examine.
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DOCUMENTED PROVENANCE — A REMARKABLE DISCOVERY IN IOWA
Beyond its historical significance, this particular book carries a wonderful story of discovery and preservation spanning more than four decades.
In the early 1980s, the previous owner’s mother, an accomplished pianist and enthusiastic collector of vintage sheet music, attended an estate sale in rural Iowa.
At the sale, she purchased a substantial collection of old sheet music.
While carefully sorting and cataloging her acquisition, she discovered something unexpected among the musical publications: this remarkable 1930 Mickey Mouse Book.
Recognizing that she had found something special, she preserved the book rather than selling it.
She carefully stored it among her collection of vintage sheet music, where it remained for many years.
When the family eventually began downsizing, the collection passed to the next generation.
The previous owner fondly recalled their mother’s quiet personality and her remarkable ability to discover unexpected treasures.
The book remained in the family’s possession until September 2026, when it was acquired by another private collector dedicated to preserving early Disney history.
HONORING THE PREVIOUS OWNER’S REQUEST
When the family agreed to part with this treasured publication, the previous owner made one heartfelt request:
“Please promise me you’ll share the story of its acquisition with whomever takes an interest in it.”
This listing honors that request.
The story of the book’s discovery at an Iowa estate sale, its preservation within one family for more than four decades, and its eventual transfer to another collector is an important part of its individual history.
A printed account of this provenance will accompany the book so that future collectors can continue preserving and sharing its story.
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CUSTOM MUSEUM-QUALITY UV-PROTECTIVE DISPLAY INCLUDED
To help preserve and showcase this historically important publication, a premium custom protective enclosure was purchased specifically for this book.
Manufactured by Red Wolf Collectibles, the enclosure features the company’s upgraded Museum Quality OP3 Acrylic, designed to filter approximately 98% of ultraviolet light.
The enclosure features:
* Premium museum-quality OP3 UV-filtering acrylic
* Approximately 98% UV protection
* Three-layer acrylic construction
* Precision-cut recessed center insert
* Four stainless steel fasteners
* Custom-fitted design accommodating the book’s thickness
Unlike conventional flat screw-down holders, the recessed center insert is designed to accommodate the book without directly compressing it between two flat acrylic panels.
The enclosure provides an attractive presentation while helping reduce UV exposure and unnecessary handling.
The complete custom Red Wolf Collectibles museum-quality enclosure is included with the purchase at no additional cost.
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CONDITION AND ORIGINALITY
The book is offered ungraded.
The previous owner’s description characterized the book as being in fine condition for its age while acknowledging staining and edge wear.
According to the previous owner:
* All original pages are present.
* The game board and playing-piece pages are intact.
* All original game pieces remain attached.
* No pages are known to have been restored or replaced.
* The book was stored in a nonsmoking home during the previous ownership.
These statements are based on the previous owner’s representations and written correspondence.
The book has not been independently authenticated or professionally evaluated for restoration.
Please carefully examine all photographs, including the front and back covers, spine, binding, interior pages, and original game-piece page.
Photographs form an important part of the condition description.
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AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR EARLY DISNEY COLLECTORS
The 1930 Mickey Mouse Book occupies a special place in Disney publishing history as the first Disney book ever published.
This particular example brings together several compelling characteristics:
Historical Significance: An early Disney publication dating to Mickey Mouse’s formative years.
First Edition, First Issue: Identified by four specific distinguishing characteristics associated with the original 1930 printing.
Completeness: Original game board and playing-piece pages present, with all game pieces still attached and unpunched.
Originality: No known restoration or replaced pages, according to the previous owner.
Documented Family Provenance: A remarkable ownership history tracing the book to an Iowa estate sale in the early 1980s.
Premium Preservation: Custom Red Wolf Collectibles museum-quality OP3 acrylic enclosure with approximately 98% UV protection.
Preserved Ownership History: The previous owner’s request to share the family’s story will be honored through accompanying documentation.
For collectors specializing in early Disney publications, Mickey Mouse memorabilia, and historically significant entertainment collectibles, this is an opportunity to acquire a landmark publication with an unusually personal and well-preserved ownership story.
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SHIPPING AND HANDLING
Given the historical significance and value of this collectible, exceptional care will be taken in preparing it for shipment.
The book and its custom protective enclosure will be carefully packaged to minimize movement and handling damage during transit.
Shipping will be fully insured for the purchase price, with signature confirmation required.
The accompanying provenance documentation will be included.
