Article: James Bond is Back!
James Bond is Back!
We’re thrilled to unveil three exciting additions to our vintage James Bond collection, each a rare and iconic piece that celebrates the enduring legacy of 007. These collectibles offer a unique window into the world of espionage, elegance, and adventure, so vividly created by Ian Fleming.
First, we are excited to present a true cinematic treasure: an original 1964 one-sheet movie poster for From Russia with Love. A dramatic blend of red, black, and white captures Sean Connery’s suave portrayal of Bond, flanked by four alluring women. The bold tagline “James Bond Is Back!” heralds the second film in the franchise, based on Fleming’s 1957 novel. With its classic mid-century design and rich production history, directed by Terence Young and scored by John Barry, this poster represents the moment when Bond truly became a global film icon. Released after the success of Dr. No, From Russia with Love premiered in London in 1963 and later swept the international box office, grossing over $78 million worldwide. A masterpiece for collectors of vintage film and espionage alike.
For the bibliophiles, we offer a remarkable first edition, second state printing of The Man with the Golden Gun, Ian Fleming’s final novel. Published posthumously by Jonathan Cape, this edition features black cloth boards with gilt titles and its original Richard Chopping dust jacket, a striking design of a golden gun, green flies, and spent bullets. Though Fleming’s failing health limited his writing time, the manuscript was completed with the assistance of Kingsley Amis. The novel follows Bond to Jamaica on a deadly mission to confront a mysterious assassin, a story later adapted into the 1975 film starring Roger Moore and Christopher Lee.
Finally, check out the 1987 “Ian Fleming Thriller Map,” a stunning pictorial tribute to Bond’s global escapades. Illustrated by John Zeleneck with graphics by Susan Lewis and published by Aaron Blake Publishers, this map plots all the key locations from Fleming’s fourteen James Bond novels. From high-stakes casinos and sun-drenched beaches to deadly secret hideouts, Bond’s missions spanned four continents, and they’re all brought to life in vivid detail. A large illustrated key, styled as two lounging women, details each mission by book. Specific addresses are indicated, when possible, followed by details on the drinks and games Bond enjoyed, the lovers he took, the guns he used, cars he drove, and the evil villain plots he thwarted. An illustrated Bond, resembling Sean Connery, holds a handgun and martini while a glamorous blonde Bond girl pops a bottle of champagne beside him. It’s a colorful, cheeky, and comprehensive homage to Bond’s literary legacy.
These rare finds won’t remain in our collection for long. Each piece tells its own part of the James Bond story, and together they celebrate the thrilling world Ian Fleming created, filled with "incredible women," "incredible enemies," and "incredible adventures."