This lot of three James Bond posters led the sale at $1,200.
Review by W.A. Demers, Photos Courtesy Richard Ofper Auctioneering
TIMONIUM, MD. – The poster boy for international superspydom and intrigue, Ian Fleming’s fictional James Bond, starred in Opfer Auctions June 30 sale, accounting for five of the top lots, collectively ringing in more than $2,000. Billed as a timed online eclectic collector auction, the event included model trains and accessories, James Bond collectible movie posters, toy and die cast model cars and vehicles, coins, dolls and more. But it was the collection of James Bond movie posters that caught fire with the bidding crowd in the unreserved sale that totaled $22,800 and dispersed all but five lots.
There has always been a high level of collector interest in original James Bond movie posters. The artwork on many of them is instantly recognizable and highly sought-after by movie poster aficionados. There are hundreds of different original posters from all the Bond films that have been made in the past 50 years. And, of course, many foreign ones are quite rare. Titles include Goldfinger, Dr No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, Diamonds are Forever, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and You Only Live Twice.
Topping the bidding action were three James Bond posters that sold for $1,200. The theater posters, all featuring Sean Connery as Agent 007, were Thunderball, Diamonds are Forever and Goldfinger. Exhibiting some folds, creases and edge tears and curls, they each measured 30 by 40 inches.
Kachina dolls found favor and a buyer at $780.
Live and Let Die, two Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, all featuring Roger Moore, made up a lot of five theater posters that sold for $270. All glossy, with folds and creases, they each measured 41 by 27 inches.
Fetching $330 were three James Bond posters comprising From Russia with Love, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and The Spy Who Loved Me, each 36 by 14 inches.
Bond’s international cachet was underlined by a selection of 14 foreign posters in French, Japanese, German, etc., the largest of which was 33 by 23 inches. They combined to reach $510.
While James Bond ruled, there were additional highlights notable across the block. Carved and painted wood Kachina dolls with fur and feathers brought $780. Featured were “Crow Mother” by Louis Reyna; “Eagle” and “White Owl” by Lucy & Jimmy.
Typed on Lindbergh stationery for the Guggenheim Fund, dated 1927, this signed letter by Charles Lindbergh (American, 1902-1974) took $390.
A Charles Lindbergh (American, 1902-1974) signed letter took $390. The letter by the famed aviator, military officer, author, inventor and activist was typed on Lindbergh stationery for the Guggenheim Fund, dated 1927, and extended an invitation to Tampa, Fla.
Among the model cars being offered, a painted carved wood concept car with metal and rubber wheels, fabric covered seats on the interior, possibly created by Dreyer, rolled to $600. It was 14½ inches long.
Prices given include the buyer’s premium as stated by the auction house. Guitar collectors will not want to miss Opfer’s next sale on July 14, offering Martin and Paul Reed Smith guitars. Also crossing the block will be Oriental carpets, paintings, posters and prints, period and modern furniture and more. For more information, 410-252-5035 or www.opferauction.com.
