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James Bond Creator Ian Fleming's Ruger MKI Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,000.00 USD
James Bond Creator Ian Fleming's Ruger MKI Pistol
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
James Bond Creator Ian Fleming's Personal Ruger MK I Semi-Automatic Pistol, with holster and documentation, #196902, .22 LR cal., 6-3/4'' barrel, blue finish, factory checkered plastic grips, with original micro-click rear sight and British nitro-proofmarks to bottom of barrel near breech; additional British proofmarks to frame and upper receiver. Included is a binder with documentation dating back to the early 1970s, with a March 20, 1974, from Robert Q. Sutherland, co-author of ''The Book of Colt Firearms'', stating that this gun was in the personal collection of Ian Fleming of the James Bond novels and came direct from his estate; the next letter, dated April 4, 1974, from Ruger, states that this gun was shipped to Cogswell & Harrison on February 8, 1962; and another letter, January 14, 1975, from Cogswell & Harrison stating that it is against their policy to release the name of the purchaser of any of their firearms. In a photocopy of another letter from Cogswell & Harrison to the President of Sturm Ruger Steven K. Vogel, dated February 23, 1976, Cogswell & Harrison apologize for their delay in replying and further state, ''According to our records, Ruger MK I Target Model, Serial no. 196902, was sold to Commander I.L. Fleming on 4th June 1962.'' The next letter, dated February 27, 1976, Steven Vogel of Sturm Ruger & Co., states ''After receiving the previous letter from Cogswell & Harrison, I believe that it is clear that this gun belonged to 'the' Ian Fleming.'' Further letters are included with specific references to this pistol. James Bond was created by Ian Fleming in 1953 and was featured in twelve novels and two short story collections, inspired by an intelligence officer in the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). Like Fleming, Bond held the rank of Royal Naval Reserve Commander. Fleming endowed Bond with many of his own traits - the same golf handicap, the taste for scrambled eggs, and using the same brand of toiletries. Bond's love for golf and gambling mirrored Fleming's own. Fleming used his experiences of his espionage career and all other aspects of his life when writing, including the same names of school friends, acquaintances, and relatives. It is interesting to note that just prior to the release of the movie ''Dr. No'' in 1962, Mr. Fleming purchased this firearm from Cogswell & Harrison. Condition is excellent showing only light marks from handling. Period leather holster remains in excellent condition showing just light scuffs, with all stitching intact. An extremely rare opportunity to own a firearm by who was arguably the real James Bond, dating directly from the production of the first James Bond movie 50 years ago. Est.: $3,500-$5,000. (C&R)