Her Majesty's Secret Servant

CHRISTIE'S AUCTION
SEPTEMBER 17, 1998

I'm sure by now anyone who is interested has heard about the James Bond auction that was held on the 17th of September. This by no means was the first time Christie's in London has sold items pertaining to agent 007. It was however the first time an entire sale was dedicated to our favorite action hero.

The sale consisted of 272 items or there-abouts. As in any sale, certain items either did not meet the seller's price or were withdrawn for other reasons. All in all, an impressive number for a sale of this kind.

The first part of the auction consisted of mass merchandise toys, games, dolls etc. Interspersed throughout the sale more important items are sold just to keep the bidders on their toes. By inserting much sought-after items in amongst lesser items, the auction house can tempt buyers with items they may not really be interested in. Also, by conducting the sale in this manner keeps the excitement level at a peak. Nothing is more exciting than a buying frenzy. At least for the auction house that is!

When I telephoned Christie's to have the final results faxed to me I must say I was excited. I couldn't wait to see how much things had sold for. I was not disappointed. A little shocked, but not disappointed. For the most part things went far higher than anyone had expected. The toys at the beginning could have easily been bought from a toy seller for some less. I attribute this to people getting caught up in the moment and the buyers frenzy. To pay $500 or $700 dollars for items that can be bought for a third of the price can only be attributed to the moment. (I hope!) Otherwise collectors are in for quite a surprise the next time they go looking for that hard-to-find Bond toy.

Props and costumes are another story. This sale had its share of great-looking props and costumes. I say great looking because some items were not what they were suppose to be. Trust me. Christie's tries to authenticate all items in their sales for the most part. Deliberately misrepresenting items would not be tolerated in their business. After reading the descriptions carefully and taking a long hard look at the photos that appear in their catalog a seasoned collector should be able to distinguish whether or not an item is what it appears to be, the real thing or a good fake. There were several items that should never have brought such high prices.

If you are interested in getting the catalog you can visit Christie's website at www.christies.com . I would assume they are still offering to sell the Bond catalog even though the sale has passed. Inside the catalog you will be able to follow the instructions to have the results faxed to you.

Here are just a few of the results:

1. James Bond Gilbert Road Race set $1,105
2. Gilbert wire counter rack for small Bond figures $1,870
3. James Bond Cine-Viewer (British) $595
4. Jack Wade's car from GoldenEye $7,140
5. British license plates 0007 (buyer could really put them on their car) $47,600
6. The Living Daylights Timothy Dalton tux $2,550
7. A View To A Kill Roger Moore tux $6,800
8. The Spy Who Loved Me Lotus shell $44,200
9. Prop crocodile head from Live And Let Die $4,080
10. Oddjob's bowler hat $93,500

This was, by all accounts, a very exciting sale. Word is there will be another one sometime next year. If you plan on going, remember: caveat emptor. Do your homework, and then go have yourself a wonderful time!!

If you know of any original Bond items such as props or costumes the Ian Fleming Foundation is always interested. You may call my office at (815) 472-3002 or fax at (815)472-2663. Thank you.