Killer sales in James Bond auction at Christie’s

The first part of Christie’s two-part charity sale, Sixty Years of James Bond, presented 25 lots which exceded the pre-sale estimate to hammer at £6,103,500. The auction house said there was fierce bidding between international collectors and fans registered from 17 countries.

Bidding took aplce online and on the telephone for the vehicles, watches, costumes and props associated with 2021’s No Time To Die, as well as six lots celebrating each of the six actors who have played James Bond.

The top lot of the Live Auction was the much-anticipated Aston Martin DB5 stunt car, which is one of eight stunt replicas built for the film by Aston Martin and fitted with ‘Q Branch’ modifications. It is the only DB5 stunt car from No Time To Die to be released for public sale and as the ultimate Bond collector’s prize competitive bidding between the internet, telephone and those in attendance resulted in the final price of £2,922,000. The car was purchased by an anonymous telephone bidder. The proceeds will benefit The Prince’s Trust in its work with young people; The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund in support of charities assisting serving and former members of the UK Intelligence Agencies; and three charities supporting serving and former members of the UK Special Forces.

Those who were unable to place a winning bid in the live auction are urged to continue bidding online for the 36 lots, spanning the twenty-five films with posters, props, costumes, memorabilia and experiences, which are available in the Online Sale, Part II, Sixty Years of James Bond. Bidding remains open until 4pm (BST) on James Bond Day (Wednesday, 5 October 2022) at christies.com/james-bond.

Over 45 charities will benefit from the 61 lots which are being offered in total.

The Earl of Snowdon, Honorary Chairman, Christie’s EMEA, said: “What a brilliant start to the two-part official charity sale celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Bond. I am thrilled that so much money has already been raised for the wonderful charitable causes chosen, with more to come as over half of the lots remain open for bidding in the Online Sale, Part II. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity to date, and look forward to the combined total being announced on James Bond Day, when the final sale closes.”

The auction vendors, led by EON Productions, are donating 100% of their auction proceeds to their nominated charitable causes. Christie’s is also donating 100% of the profitable proceeds from the buyer’s premium.