Profiles in History, run by Joe Maddalena, is thrilled to announce that the original "James Bond" Walther gun, used by Sean Connery in publicity shots for four James Bond films along with the original N70CF Acrostar BD-5J Micro Jet used in Octopussy will be going up for auction later this month at Profiles in History's Hollywood Auction on July 29th, 2013.
The "James Bond" Walther Gun, is a 4.5 mm. Walther air pistol, LP Model 53, serial number 054159, and was first used by Sean Connery for the promotion of his second "James Bond" film, From Russia with Love. Publicist Tom Carlile arranged a series of poses with photographer David Hurn to shoot an iconic portrait of Connery as "James Bond 007" with his Walther pistol which was to be used as the primary image for the film's poster art and advertising/marketing campaign. When Connery arrived at the photo studio, together with Tom Carlile and representatives from United Artists, it was discovered that no one had brought "007's" Walther semi-automatic pistol.
By chance, photographer Hurn practiced air pistol target shooting as a hobby and he used a Walther. It was decided between Carlile and Hurn, without telling Connery or the other representatives from United Artists, that they would use his air pistol for the photographs and if anyone were to bring it up that the Walther name on the gun would reassure them. In theory, the long barrel of the air pistol should have been removed by airbrushing during the design of the actual poster, but, for reasons unknown, it was never done. What became of this shoot was one of the most iconic photographic images of the 20th century. The picture of Sean Connery holding the long-barreled gun across his chest or alongside his face became the most famous of all "Bond" images. So effective were the shots from this From Russia with Love photo shoot, that the series of publicity shots were used for the following three Bond films: Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965) and You Only Live Twice (1967). The gun features a 24 cm. barrel and blackened finish; comes with its original close-fitted Walther presentation case as well as a signed letter of provenance from photographer David Hurn. The gun is estimated to sell for between $200,000-$300,000.
The original N70CF Acrostar BD-5J Micro Jet used in all of the flying sequences from Octopussy. In perhaps the most famous of all opening sequences in the 50 years of "James Bond" in films, Roger Moore backs a small jet out of a horse trailer, takes off from the road, flies over military troops, under a bridge, rolls in canyons and flies through an airplane hangar. This is the jet that was used in all the aerial sequences in Octopussy.
The BD-5J has a 17 ft. wingspan and a small, streamlined fuselage holding its semi-reclined pilot under a large canopy. It holds the record for the world's lightest jet aircraft, weighing only 358.8 lbs. (162.7 kg) and was capable of reaching 300 mph (480 km/h). The jet is so compact that it can fit in a rental truck with a 12 ft. cargo area with the wings detached.
These world famous Octopussy flying sequences were performed by stunt pilot John W."Corkey" Fornof. In addition to its most famous use in Octopussy, Fornof flew this jet in scores of television programs and commercials, such as "The Spectacular World of Guinness Records" (world's smallest jet), "Good Morning America", "25 Years of James Bond 007", "That's Incredible", "ABC's Wide World of Sports" and countless airshows. In addition, this jet has appeared in virtually every aviation publication in the free world. BD-5J's were popular at air shows throughout the 1980's due to the high performance capabilities of the plane. Comes with signed letter of provenance by Corkey Fornof who has owned the jet since it was built. Special shipping arrangements will apply. The plane is estimated to sell for between $200,000 - $300,000.
ABOUT PROFILES IN HISTORY
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the world's largest auctioneer & dealer of original Hollywood Memorabilia, historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts. Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph "Joe" Maddalena learned early on how to turn his
Passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his
Passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985.
Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia and own virtually every Guinness Book record for prices of original screen-used memorabilia. Highlights from their previous auctions include the "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); Steve McQueen's "Michael Delaney" racing suit from Le Mans ($960,000); From the history-making Debbie Reynolds Auction in June 2011, Profiles in History sold the Marilyn Monroe "Subway" Dress from The Seven Year Itch for $5.52M and the Audrey Hepburn Ascot Dress from My Fair Lady for $4.44M. In February 2012, Profiles in History arranged the sale of a pair of Judy Garland screen-used Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. In addition, Joe Maddalena is the star of Hollywood Treasure, which just ended its second season on Syfy. Hollywood Treasure takes viewers into the fascinating world of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia. For more information visit
www.profilesinhistory.com
