Dale Character Lock

This charming pin features Dale, one-half of the iconic mischievous chipmunk duo, depicted as a stylized padlock in the Character Locks Purchase With Purchase collection. First appearing in the 1943 short 'Private Pluto', Dale is easily distinguished from his brother Chip by his red nose and buck teeth. The Character Locks series was a popular Purchase With Purchase promotion released across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, requiring guests to spend a certain amount to unlock the ability to buy these mystery pins. As a mystery release, this pin was part of a randomized blind-bag set, making specific character acquisitions challenging for completists. Collectors prize this series for its unique thematic design, which reimagines classic characters as functional hardware. The pin's release in 2013 adds to its status as a mid-era collector piece that captures the whimsical aesthetic of Disney pin trading during that time. Given the nature of mystery sets, finding individual character pins like this Dale lock can be difficult, often making them Hard to Find for those seeking to complete the full set. The pin serves as a delightful nod to the enduring legacy of Disney's classic animated shorts and the playful spirit of the chipmunk pair.