11.11.2020
13:08
It is the original prop weapon used in Agent 007’s first film, Dr NO, released in 1962
By Jorge CantilloNovember 11, 2020 Share on FacebookShare Share on TwitterTweet Share on WhatsAppShare
Sean Connery holding the classic James Bond Walther PPK. (The Grosby Group)
The original James Bond pistol, used by Sean Connery in the film debut of secret agent 007, the most famous British spy of all time, will go up for auction in December. Whether you are looking for antique militaria UK for sale to add to your collection, or for a gift, you are spoilt for choice on LoveAntiques.com where you will find a wide assortment of genuine militaria for sale direct from dealers across Europe.
The characteristic icons that accompany the MI6 secret agent are almost as famous as the character himself. His luxury car, the Aston Martin, his favorite cocktail: Martini, shaken, not stirred; and his classic Walther PPK pistol or not?
As it turns out, the actual accessory used in the first film in the James Bond franchise, Dr. NO, was not actually a Walther PPK but a Walther PP, which has a slightly longer frame than the PPK.
The prop gun will be auctioned in December at the upcoming “Trilogy of Icons and Idols: Hollywood” auction, organized by Julien’s Auctions. According to experts consulted by CNN, the pistol is expected to sell for close to $ 200,000.
” In the feature film debut of the James Bond character, Connery uses this hero weapon throughout the film and helped establish and define the character that has appeared in books, movies and other media for the past six decades, ” says the auction house in a press release.
The recent death of Sean Connery on October 30 at the age of 90, is one of the hooks of the auction. The celebrated actor who was recognized in his career as one of the most prominent male stars of his time rose to fame largely for his starring role in Dr NO, the first James Bond film released in 1962.
Sean Connery as 007 Secret Agent James Bond in the movie Dr NO. Photo by Moviestore / Shutterstock (1562755a)
From there Connery played the spy 007 in five more films, with Diamonds Are Forever released in 1971 being his last appearance as James Bond.
“The silhouette of 007 holding this pistol would become the most iconic image of the James Bond franchise and one of the most recognizable pop culture references of all time,” said Martin Nolan, CEO of Julien’s Auctions, in a release.
And although other actors have played the MI6 spy more times than Sean Connery, such as Roger More who starred in all seven Bond films released between 1973 and 1985, or the most current and highly acclaimed Pierce Brosman -four films- and Daniel Craig -four films and one to be released-, it was his he who popularized the character, the silhouette and the gun.
The Walther PP semi-automatic pistol that was used in the movie Dr No will go up for auction in December. Courtesy of Julien’s Auction / Handout via Reuters
“We are honored to include your Walther PP Pistol as a featured item in our auction along with hundreds of other historical memorabilia from Hollywood’s best classic movies and TV series,” the auctioneer statement added.
The Watlher PP used in Dr. NO will come with a certificate of deactivation and a provenance letter from the UK-based Bapty prop house, who originally made it for the film in the early 1960s.
This prop house had been the home of Bond’s pistol until 2006 when it was sold at auction. Now, according to Julien’s Auctions, its owner has decided to put it up for sale again.
Scene from ‘DR NO’ 1962 film with Sean Connery as James Bond. Photo by Snap / Shutterstock (390891nl)
Along with the original Bond pistol, more than 500 iconic items from famous Hollywood movies will be up for auction, including a fighter pilot helmet worn by Tom Cruise in Top Gun, with an estimated value of $ 50,000; a black leather jacket that Arnold Schwarzenegger wore in the Terminator movie, also estimated at $ 50,000; a hoverboard from the movie Back To The Future II, which could sell for $ 9,000; and various accessories from Pulp Fiction, one of Quentin Tarantino’s most acclaimed films.
The auction will take place in Beverly Hills on December 3 and you can also participate in it online.
KEEP READING
