Bidders pounced on vintage James Bond toys at Potter & Potter
James Bond Secret Agent Shooting Attache Case, $3,840
CHICAGO – Potter & Potter‘s June 16 Pop Culture, Disneyana & Collectibles Sale delivered admirably, ultimately posting a healthy total of $280,000.
James Bond 007-related toys and materials were top lots in the June 16 auction. Leading the pack was a James Bond Secret Agent Shooting Attache Case with its original box, which achieved $3,840. It was released in 1965 by a Bronx company caled Multiple Toy Makers, and its accessories were factory sealed beside the original attache case. Tucked underneath were instructions, a passport case and decals on a tabbed file divider.
James Bond Thunderball bubble gum and trading card packs, $4,800
Another vintage James Bond themed-prize was an original box of James Bond Thunderball bubble gum and trading card packs produced by Somportex in 1966. Estimated at $300-$500, it soared to $4,800. The lot included 71 (of 72) packs along with two open wax packs and six loose cards from the set.
James Bond KKS Luger Pistol Attache Case, $4,560
Also triumphing was a James Bond KKS Luger Pistol Attache Case, produced in Japan by KKS, which had been estimated at $300-$500 and realized $4,560. This circa-1960s playset included a hard plastic black fitted case containing a 007 Luger, silencer, scope, rifle attachments, time bomb and bullets.
James Bond car promotional banner, $3,600
Last among the James Bond highlights was a promotional banner that read: The 007 Car Is Here! Estimated at $200-$300, it earned $3,600. The circa 1960s or 1970s double-sided cotton banner was detailed with yellow letters on a navy background, a thick stitched canvas border and metal grommets. It is believed the banner appeared with the 007 car when it was on tour to promote one of the Bond films.
Gibson Lucille electric guitar signed by B.B. King, Eric Clapton and others, $16,800
Musical instruments, albums and ephemera with provenance to the most beloved performers of the 20th century were also on offer. A particular standout was Lot 324, a Gibson Lucille electric guitar signed by B.B. King, Eric Clapton and other members of King’s original band. It had been estimated at $8,000-$10,000 and rose to $16,800. This instrument was part of King’s 70th birthday tribute concert held in Memphis at the Orpheum Theater in October 1995.
Bob Marley-inscribed card plus photographs, $3,360
A card inscribed by Bob Marley, with accompanying backstage photographs, brought $3,360. The collection included a card written in blue ink on light green paper mounted on cream-colored board with two photographs of Bob Marley during his performance at Shelton, Connecticut’s Pinecrest Country Club in June 1978.
Marvin Gaye Live! LP signed and inscribed by Gaye, $3,360
In addition, a Marvin Gaye Live! LP signed by the artist sold for $3,360 against an estimate of $1,000-$2,000. This album from 1974 was inscribed on its inner gatefold in ballpoint pen by Gaye: “To John Foreman / Yours in peace / + / Love / “Terrible Wheel Jim.”
Three boxes of Topps Star Wars trading card sets, $4,560
Other notable pop culture pieces that rounded out the sale include a lot of three boxes of Topps Star Wars trading card sets from 1977/1978, which achieved $4,560 against an estimate of $300-$500. Each box had 36 sealed packs; the collection included two second series sets and one fourth series set, as well as a quantity of other Star Wars trading cards.
Pinocchio Collector’s Edition marionette, $2,040
The final June 16 highlight was a large Pinocchio Collector’s Edition marionette, which realized $2,040. It was made in Los Angeles by Bob Baker Marionettes in the 1990s and was one of an edition of 200.
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