A first edition, first printing of the James Bond novel Diamonds are Forever, signed by author Ian Fleming, has sold for $21,250 at Heritage Auctions in the US.
 An original dust jacket boosted its value |
In doing so the fourth James Bond book - later turned into a 1971 film by the same name - beat its $15,000 estimate by 41.6%, confirming the strong appetite for leading items of Bond memorabilia among collectors.
The 1956 work, bound in the original publisher's black cloth with silver titles, was inscribed by Fleming: "To Lionel from Ian with affection" on the front endpaper. Its value was further enhanced by the presence of its original pictorial dust jacket.
Minor wear and foxing, as well as some restoration work to the jacket, were its only significant detractions.
Estimates for James Bond memorabilia have also been beaten at Christie's, where the swimming trunks Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale made £44,450 ($71,876), 789% above their £5,000 estimate on October 5.
We are currently able to offer this superb signed photo of current Bond Daniel Craig.
Also starring at Heritage's October 4-5 Rare Books Signature Auction was a first edition of Isaac Asimov's I, Robot.
Inscribed by the author to Gnome Press publisher Martin Greenberg, it reads: "For: Martin Greenberg, who actually got this book out, by God, Love! Isaac Asimov, 12/2/50".
Asimov's relationship with Greenberg would later prove less amicable, with the author having several payment disputes, and labelling Greenberg a "crook".
It sold for $8,125 against a $2,000 estimate.
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