Lot #R333. Vintage Goebel-Disney Mickey Mouse Spirit of ’76 Revolutionary War Chess Set – Gold & Pewter Pieces

Description Goebel-Disney Mickey Mouse Spirit of ’76 Revolutionary War Chessmen. A rare and highly desirable example of Disneyana meeting American history: the Mickey Mouse “Spirit of ’76” Revolutionary War Chess Set, produced by Goebel United States in collaboration with Danbury Mint. The pieces are gold-plated and silvered pewter resting atop ref delt base pads. This charming yet historically evocative set portrays beloved Disney characters in meticulously detailed Revolutionary War (1775–1783) attire. Mickey Mouse appears as both King George III of England and George Washington seated on an ornate throne. Minnie Mouse doubles as the Queen and Betsy Ross. Goofy serves as a Hessian soldier on one side and a Colonial Minuteman on the other. Additional figures include horsemen evoking Paul Revere, Pluto’s doghouse and Liberty Bell Rooks, and Pawns (often shown as drummers or fifers) representing Huey, Dewey & Louie. The gold-finished side and opposing pewter/silver side create a striking visual contrast perfect for display. Full set of 32 cast Pewter chess pieces (gold-finished and pewter finishes) King: 3″ tall × 1-3/8″ base diameter All pieces stand on original red felt base pads Excellent, clean condition with sharp detail and attractive metallic finishes Pieces only – no chessboard, original box, or paperwork included This set was created during the era of renewed interest in America’s founding (Bicentennial theme), blending whimsical Disney character design with authentic period military and civilian costume details. It remains one of the more sought-after crossover Disney chess sets, prized for its thematic coherence, quality of casting, and scarcity on the secondary market. Ideal for the serious Disney collector, Revolutionary War enthusiast, or chess set historian. The pieces display and play perfectly on a custom or period-appropriate board and make a superb conversation piece or focal point in a library, office, or game room. A true piece of Disney and American cultural history, the Goebel Disney Spirit of ’76 Chessmen are accurately identified and ready for their next steward. Historical Background. Goebel is the primary manufacturer of the Disney Mickey Mouse “Spirit of ’76” (Revolutionary War) chess set. Danbury Mint was a US-market collaboration/distribution arrangement. This metallic gold-and-silver version with red felt pads and the 3″ king matches the documented Goebel-produced examples perfectly. A clarification follows. Goebel (W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik, the well-known German company famous for Hummel figurines and many licensed Disney items) produced the Goebel Disney Spirit of ’76 Chessmen. Collector descriptions and sales listings repeatedly state it was “made for Disney by Goebel” or “Goebel United States presents” the set. The pieces were cold-cast metallic gold and pewter finishes under official Disney license. Danbury Mint (a major American direct-mail collectibles company) was the US partner, distributor and co-brander. Danbury Mint often commissioned or marketed items made by manufacturers like Goebel for the American market.