4 replies to this topic

[FOX MULDER]

A few weeks ago, on a whim, I decided to begin a collection of James Bond first editions. As I cannot afford a first edition of Casino Royale just yet (approx £20,000), I decided to begin my collection from the other end, starting with Deaver's Carte Blanche (I got the 'indie' edition 'limited to 1500' - I know this is just a marketing ploy). I found a first edition Devil May Care in a second hand shop for £1. Next on my list is Benson's 'Die Another Day'. This is the list I'm using:

http://en.wikipedia....els_and_stories

Do you know of anyone who owns a complete collection of these 'official' Bond novels as first editions? I make it 54 books (including the Higson series, and excluding separately published short stories).

And how much do you think that would be worth? Is it even possible to guestimate?

Edited by FOX MULDER, 18 October 2012 - 10:21 PM.

[Poor Man's JB]

If you wanted to consult an institution, I'd say the Lily Library is a safe bet, but doubtful they'd be prepared to answer the value question. For that I'd turn to an individual: Brad Frank ... easily THE leading US expert on Bond in print.

I recognize you're asking as a collector, but the nature of the questions suggests you might do better posting in the literature forum.

Edited by Poor Man's JB, 24 October 2012 - 02:48 AM.

[Dustin]

If you want to build a collection of first editions I strongly advise to work with a renown and reliable dealer in your region. A dealer has a far greater experience, can point out occasions fitting to your budget and is an enormous help considering you are likely going to work on this project for years. If the value is a general issue - and it is, otherwise you'd just buy and be done with it - stay away from the more recent marketing gags as they will likely just serve to burn your money. Any DMC/CB special editions you can get at a realistic price now will still have to go a long way before you can expect your investment to gain some momentum. An experienced dealer in rare books will surely find better options for your collection, both in quality and stability of value.

[Platapus94]

I own FYOE and OHMSS 1st editions with dust jacket, silverfin, blood fever, double or die, by royal command 1st editions (BRC never read, barely even touched) I think I may have a couple of John gardener 1st too but I'm not sure.

I'm quite fond of my collection of James Bond memorabilia, but for the right price, I may be willing, not promising anything just yet though :p

[FOX MULDER]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm strictly collecting the Bond novel's backwards (in terms of publication - beginning with Carte Blanche, then DMC etc). It's the only affordable way to do it and, yes, it will take many years (especially on my current wages!)

At a (very) rough guess, I would value the complete Bond book collection (54 titles, from CR to CB), on a book by book basis, at around £40,000 - 50,000 (Casino Royale alone is 15-20K). But if one owned such a collection, you would have to add value for it's uniqueness (I don't know of anyone who has it). I would say you could easily double it.

So at an auction, in todays money, I would tentatively value the complete collection of first editions at around £100,000