World’s biggest catalogue of 007 memorabilia being sold by James Bond fan – including posters, ticket stubs and brochures – could fetch £1million at auction
- Steve Oxenrider’s vast collection of James Bond items totals around 32,000
- The collection has been shipped to Ewbank’s auction house in Woking, Surrey
The world’s biggest catalogue of 007 memorabilia being sold by a James Bond fan, including posters, ticket stubs and brochures, could reach £1million at auction.
Steve Oxenrider’s vast collection of around 32,000 items is so big it will have to be sold in two parts after he spent a lifetime amassing the items.
His incredible collection has a huge number of original posters dating back to when the secret agent first graced the silver screen.
The retired teacher, from San Francisco, USA, shipped his collection across the Atlantic to Ewbank’s auction house in Woking, Surrey.
The first half of the collection set to be sold in November, but the combined estimate for the items is £1million at auction.
Collection of James Bond memorabilia that is on sale at Eubanks auction house, Guildford
Steve Oxenrider’s collection of around 32,000 items is so big it will have to be sold in two parts
The retired teacher, from San Francisco, USA, has shipped his collection across the Atlantic
A poster of ‘From Russia with Love’ from 1963 – Sean Connery’s second role as the MI6 agent
Mr Oxenrider, who is a leading expert in Bond, said he still romanticises the early films for their storylines and depiction of the mysterious 007 agent.
He said: ‘The earlier films through the 1960s were unique and spectacular in their exciting storylines and a proven formula of exotic locations, girls, gadgets and super-villains, all with a certain fantasy element.
‘To me the first three films, plus On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, are flawless.
‘Thunderball has the greatest sentimental value to me as it was the first one I saw on the big screen.
‘Goldfinger is my favourite because it’s probably Connery’s best performance as 007 and is fast-paced.’
His collection includes British Quad posters for Dr No, which launched the series in 1962 and were illustrated by Mitchell Hooks, that are valued at £15,000.
He also has others for Thunderball, which hit cinemas in 1965 – designed by Frank McCarthy and by Robert McGinnis – which have been given the same estimate.
The sale includes a British Double Crown Advance ‘Style-A’ film poster for From Russia with Love, released in 1963, which is valued at up to £8,000.
Mr Oxenrider, who is a leading expert in Bond, revealed he still romanticises the early films
The first half of the collection set to be sold in November, at Ewbanks Auction House
The collection has a huge number of original posters dating back to when the films started
Posters from the earliest films in the Bond franchise lead the highlights in the first sale
There is also a ‘Style-B’ poster designed by Robert Brownjohn for Goldfinger, screened in 1964, which was produced exclusively for promoting the film in Ireland.
This was created to appease censors scandalised by the image of the bikini-clad Bond girl in the original design – and could reach up to £8,000 at auction.
Beyond the posters, Mr Oxenrider has also amassed material from the films’ lavish premieres.
One of the most important examples is the Thunderball Gala Charity Premiere brochure from December 29, 1965.
This is signed to the inside by Luciana Paluzzi, who played Spectre assassin Fiona Volpe in the film, and it’s expected to sell for up to £1,000.
A Royal World Charity Premiere brochure for a screening of You Only Live Twice at the Odeon Theatre Leicester Square dated June 12, 1967 has a top estimate of £800.
While a brochure for Live and Let Die at the Odeon Leicester Square, from July 5, 1973, which is signed by Paul and Linda McCartney, could reach £600.
Mr Oxenrider revealed that despite owning the world’s largest bond collection, he still wished he had contact sheets and call sheets from the earlier Bonds in his possession.
Beyond the posters, Mr Oxenrider has also amassed material from the films’ lavish premieres
A poster for Thunderball, 1965, designed by Frank McCarthy and Robert McGinnis
The Thunderball Gala Charity Premiere brochure from December 29, 1965
There is also a ‘Style-B’ poster designed by Robert Brownjohn for Goldfinger, screened in 1964, which was produced exclusively for promoting the film in Ireland
He said: ‘They provide an intriguing insight into the production of a film.’
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His best advice to those looking at potentially starting a Bond collection is to research the material wisely and speak to those with experience.
He said: ‘Do research on auction websites – Ewbank’s, eMovie Poster, Heritage Auctions, eBay – to see what’s available and price estimates.
‘Unfortunately, prices of most vintage material from the 1960-70s are prohibitive.
‘Limit what you’re looking for and how much you want to invest.
‘[But] get in touch with trusted established, older collectors that might have material to sell or trade.’
Posters from the earliest films in the Bond franchise lead the highlights in the first two-day sale, which is set to be held on November 16 and 17.
While a second sale, scheduled for spring next year, is expected to bring in a total of £1million for the whole collection.
His advice to those looking at starting a Bond collection is to research the material wisely
Mr Oxenrider’s vast hoard includes rare posters, film ticket stubs and brochures
A a second sale, scheduled for spring next year, is expected to bring in a total of £1million
Alastair McCrea with a collection of Bond memorabilia that is on sale at Eubanks auction house
Ewbank’s partner and Head of Entertainment Memorabilia, Alastair McCrea, said he was thrilled to auction the ‘breathtaking’ lot.
He said: ‘We have been holding dedicated James Bond auctions for years now, but this collection is on an entirely new level.
‘We take it as a compliment at Ewbank’s that Steve has chosen to send the collection to us in the UK to offer it auction, rather than keep it in the US.
‘The sheer breadth and depth of the collection is breathtaking, and a tribute to the dedication and perspicacity of Steve Oxenrider – the ultimate collector of 007 material.
‘Together with the part two of the collection, which we will offer next year, the November auction promises to be a landmark event for Bond fans and serious collectors.’
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