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On Monday, October 4th,
Winter Associates will offer for sale the John Griswold Ian Fleming - James
Bond Collection. Griswold is the author of the 2005 publication, Ian
Fleming's James Bond: Annotations and Chronologies for Ian Fleming's
Bond Stories. In 1963, the release of Dr. No, the first James
Bond movie, sparked John’s Griswold’s passion for Bond. The then
ten-year-old Griswold soon became a fan of Ian Fleming’s series of novels.
A native of Simsbury, Connecticut, Griswold has continued to acquire
Fleming and Bond-related items since the 1960s. Griswold’s diverse and
extensive collection reflects his interest in the cultural impact made by
Ian Fleming and the character of James Bond. This single-consignor
collection is valued at almost $250,000 and is certain to delight Bond
collectors all around the world. |
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Griswold’s literary
collection includes the fourteen first editions of Ian Fleming’s James
Bond novels, a Fleming Centenary Edition published by the Queen Anne press
(limited to an edition of 59), a first edition of ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET
SERVICE signed by Fleming, as well as a 1907 book from Fleming’s own
library along with its clamshell. The iconic image of Sean Connery holding
a helmet and gun from You Only Live Twice painted by Robert
McGinnis for the Bond movie posters is one of four original McGinnis works
that Griswold once prominently displayed in his home but are now offered
in this sale. Rare first-release posters, lobby cards, early toys, and
signed photographs will round out the 280+ lot auction.
On the sale of her husband’s collection, Debbie Griswold elaborates: “It
is with sadness and nostalgia that I report that John’s health has
declined significantly in the past two years. Early-onset Alzheimer’s has
taken its toll on John, and he is no longer researching or collecting. As
we move into the next chapter of our life, we must leave behind John’s
collection. My hope is that John’s research materials and these items from
the fascinating worlds of Ian Fleming and James Bond will bring the next
owner/collector the same enjoyment and satisfaction that they brought to
John.”
UPDATE: John Griswold
passed away on May 30, 2016 at the age of 65. |
