5 replies to this topic

[niggle]

A collection of these are to be auctioned in a book auction in my hometown of Carlisle, England on 16 April. I will not be able to afford these but what are they likely to fetch individually, or as a set if that is what they are?

[zencat]

I'd need to know more information. Are they UK firsts? Condition? Is there a first Casino in the batch? Values of Fleming firsts range wildly.

[niggle]

The press article I saw it in states "the sale includes a fine first edition collection of Ian Fleming's James Bond Books including Diamonds are Forever, Doctor No, For Your Eyes Only, Thunderball and The Spy Who Loved Me". The accompanying picture shows all of these bar TSWLM but does show Goldfinger. The sale is at Thomson Roddick and Medcalf, April 16th at 12:30pm in Carlisle, England. This is all I know.

[zencat]

Diamonds is the onky book there that has great value. With Fleming UK firsts, the first 4 books are like gold, then values taper off rapidly. A first Casino can sell for $20,000...a first Octopussy for $20.

[Irma Bunt]

According to the magazine "Firsts",Volume 8, Number 11 (Nov '98), which is all about collecting Ian Fleming, prices for UK firsts are as follows:

(It's a US magazine, so prices are in US dollars for books fine in fine dust jacket)

Casino Royale: $15,000
Live And Let Die: $8,500
Moonraker: $8,500
Diamonds Are Forever: $4,000
From Russia With Love: $4,000
Dr No: $2,500 (slightly higher for plain cover)
Goldfinger: $500
For Your Eyes Only: $400
Thunderball: $750
The Spy Who Loved Me: $400
OHMSS: $500 ($6,000 for signed special edition)
You Only Live Twice: $300
The Man With The Golden Gun: $250 ($5,000 for Golden Gun ed.)
Octopussy: $125

Incidentally, if you're interested in the books, this edition of the magazine is essential. It has very interesting articles on Fleming and his works and comments from fellow collectors. There are also indications for the US firsts' values (significantly less, but the early ones are still worth quite a bit. It also describes the UK & US firsts very intricately so you know you actually have the correct book.

I have the UK first edition of "You Only Live Twice" for sale for GBP 80 if anyone is interested. It is in very good condition with very good dw. I will send photos to anyone interested.

[zencat]

That's a good list (and, yes, that is a MUST issue of Firsts for the Fleming collector), but know that some prices have gone up in the 5 years since that list was published. Also, there are variations or "points" on some of the books that radically effect price. Still, that's a good guide.