The world’s largest catalog of 007 memorabilia sold by a James Bond fan, including posters, ticket cards and brochures, could fetch £1 million at auction.
Steve Oxenrider’s vast collection of some 32,000 items is so large that it will have to be sold in two parts after a lifetime of collecting the items.
His incredible collection includes a large number of original posters dating back to the secret agent’s first appearance on the silver screen.
The retired teacher from San Francisco, US, shipped his collection across the Atlantic Ocean to Ewbank’s auction house in Woking, Surrey.
The first half of the collection will be sold in November, but the combined estimate for the items is £1 million at auction.
Collection of James Bond memorabilia for sale at Eubanks auction house, Guildford
Steve Oxenrider’s collection of approximately 32,000 items is so large that it must be sold in two parts
The retired teacher from San Francisco, US, has shipped his collection across the Atlantic Ocean
A poster of ‘From Russia with Love’ from 1963 – Sean Connery’s second role as an MI6 agent
Mr Oxenrider, a leading expert on Bond, said he still romanticises the early films for their storylines and portrayal of the mysterious 007 agent.
He said: ‘The earlier films of the 1960s were unique and spectacular with their exciting storylines and a tried and tested formula of exotic locations, girls, gadgets and super villains, all with a certain fantasy element.
‘For me, the first three films, plus On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, are flawless.
‘Thunderball has the greatest sentimental value for me because it was the first one I saw on the big screen.
“Goldfinger is my favorite because it’s probably Connery’s best performance as 007 and because it’s fast.”
His collection includes British Quad posters for Dr. No, which launched the series in 1962 and was illustrated by Mitchell Hooks, valued at £15,000.
He also has others for Thunderball, which hit theaters in 1965 – designed by Frank McCarthy and by Robert McGinnis – that have received the same estimate.
The sale includes a British Double Crown Advance ‘Style-A’ film poster for From Russia with Love, released in 1963, valued at up to £8,000.
Mr Oxenrider, a leading expert on Bond, revealed he still romanticises the early films
The first half of the collection will be sold at Ewbanks Auction House in November
The collection includes a large number of original posters dating back to the time the films began
Posters of the first films in the Bond franchise are the highlights of the first sales
There is also a ‘Style-B’ poster designed by Robert Brownjohn for Goldfinger, shown in 1964, which was produced exclusively to promote the film in Ireland.
This was created to appease censors who were embarrassed by the image of the bikini-clad Bond girl in the original design – and could fetch up to £8,000 at auction.
In addition to the posters, Mr. Oxenrider has also collected material from the films’ lavish premieres.
One of the prime examples is the December 29, 1965 Thunderball Gala Charity Premiere Brochure.
This is signed on the inside by Luciana Paluzzi, who played Specter assassin Fiona Volpe in the film, and is 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 Theater 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, dated 5 July 1973, signed by Paul and Linda McCartney, could reach £600.
Mr Oxenrider revealed that despite owning the largest bond collection in the world, he still wished he had contact sheets and call sheets of the previous bonds in his possession.
In addition to the posters, Mr. Oxenrider has also collected material from the films’ lavish premieres
A poster for Thunderball, 1965, designed by Frank McCarthy and Robert McGinnis
The December 29, 1965 Thunderball Gala Charity Premiere Brochure
There is also a ‘Style-B’ poster designed by Robert Brownjohn for Goldfinger, shown in 1964, which was produced exclusively to promote the film in Ireland.
He said: ‘They offer an intriguing insight into the production of a film.’
His best advice to those considering starting a Bond collection is to research the material wisely and talk to people with experience.
He said: ‘Research auction websites – Ewbank’s, eMovie Poster, Heritage Auctions, eBay – to see what’s available and price estimates.
‘Unfortunately, the prices of most vintage material from the 1960s and 1970s are prohibitively expensive.
‘Narrow down what you’re looking for and how much you want to invest.
“(But) contact trusted, established, older collectors who may have material to sell or trade.”
Posters from the first films in the Bond franchise will be the highlights of the first two-day sale, taking place on November 16 and 17.
While a second sale, planned for next spring, is expected to raise a total of £1 million for the entire collection.
His advice to those wanting to start a Bond collection is to research the material wisely
Mr. Oxenrider’s vast inventory includes rare posters, movie tickets and brochures
A second sale, planned for next spring, is expected to raise a total of £1 million
Alastair McCrea with a collection of Bond memorabilia for sale at Eubanks auction house
Ewbank’s partner and head of Entertainment Memorabilia, Alastair McCrea, said he was thrilled to be auctioning the ‘breathtaking’ lot.
He said: ‘We’ve been holding special James Bond auctions for years, but this collection is on a whole new level.
‘We at Ewbank’s consider it a compliment that Steve has chosen to send the collection to us in the UK for auction, rather than keeping it in the US.
‘The sheer breadth and depth of the collection is breathtaking and a tribute to the dedication and acumen of Steve Oxenrider – the ultimate collector of 007 material.
“Together with the second part of the collection, which we will offer next year, the November auction promises to be a milestone for Bond fans and serious collectors.”