DALLAS, TX.- Bond. James Bond.
Remarkably, these words are never spoken in Ian Flemings original novels. The now-iconic catchphrase was created on set and first delivered by Sean Connery in Dr. No (1962), becoming an indelible part of the spys cinematic identity ever since. Its hard to imagine Fleming could have foreseen what his character would becomenow over 75 years old and still thrilling global audiences. As the rights to the franchise transition from longtime stewards Eon Productions and the Broccoli family to Amazon/MGM, the world watches closely to see who the next Bond will be and how the series will evolve.
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Heritage Auctions has curated one of the most impressive collections of Bond memorabilia ever assembled and it hits the block on June 13. This extraordinary offering spans the full legacy of the franchise, from Ian Flemings literary roots to signed merchandise, iconic posters, rare props and representations from every Bond actor, including Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
James Bond isnt just a characterhes a cultural barometer, says Alastair McCrea, Heritages London-based Director of Entertainment. This collection captures the full sweep of his evolution, from Flemings original vision to the silver screen icon known the world over.
Like birds imprinting on their mothers, we tend to latch onto the first James Bond we see as our Bond. The iconic spy has always mirrored the concerns and style of his time. In the Cold War 1960s, Bond villains were often Russian agents or Chinese masterminds like Dr. No and Rosa Klebb. In the 70s and 80s, they shifted to billionaire industrialists and madmen with global weather-control devices, like Karl Stromberg (The Spy Who Loved Me), Hugo Drax (Moonraker), and Max Zorin (A View to a Kill). The Bond formulaexotic locations from Monaco to Siberia, cutting-edge gadgets, luxury cars, beautiful Bond girls with questionable names like Honey Ryder (Dr. No), Pussy Galore (Goldfinger) and Vesper Lynd (Casino Royale)remains timeless.
From Dr. No (1962), Heritage offers a rare and spectacular British Quad film poster. From Thunderball (1965), theres the Aston Martin promotional British Double Crown. From Goldfinger (1964), Heritage presents the World Premiere Brochure and a gold presentation cinema briefcase. From The Living Daylights (1987), Timothy Daltons first outing, theres a rocket prop. Moonraker (1979) is represented by a cast-signed international one-sheet, while Die Another Day (2002) includes a clapperboard used in production. For collectors of Bonds stylish gear, theres also the Omega Seamaster Professional Ref. 2226.80.00, part of the official James Bond limited series.
Of course, there is no Bond without Ian Fleming. Among the auction highlights are Flemings PAN Award, a 1958 copy of Diamonds Are Forever (Pan Books Ltd.) and a signed first edition of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Also on offer, from the 1970 film of that title, is a vintage release script. The movie starred George Lazenby and featured iconic Bond girl Tracy di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg), the only woman Bond ever marries. And no matter who wears the tuxedo next, theres no doubt that James Bond will continue to inspire debate, admiration, and excitement for generations to come. Here's to another 75 years of 007still shaken, never stirred.
With the franchise entering a new era, theres never been a more exciting time to revisit Bonds legacy, McCrea says. These items arent just memorabiliatheyre milestones in one of cinemas most enduring sagas.
Explore the full auction catalog now and spy your next prized collectible because when it comes to Bond memorabilia, you only bid twice.
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