Authenticate Signed Ian Fleming Books
The purpose of this page is to provide a definitive guide on identifying the signature or autograph of Ian Fleming.
The first editions of 007 James Bond books are amongst the most collectable of modern first editions - if signed their value increases hugely. Because of this, some due care and diligence needs to be taken with their authentification.
We have had to protect these pictures with the site name and anti-hotlinking script but should you wish to use this page as a reference or quote anywhere please do feel free to link to it.
Before we get on with it let’s clear up a few important points …
-
You do not want a signed copy of The Man with the Golden Gun or Octopussy. I have been offered both and indeed seen both on e-bay. The author’s personal circumstances at the time made it difficult for him to do signings on publication - he was dead !
- As a book collector himself Ian Fleming was acutely aware of the value his autograph potentially added to a book, consequently he did not sign as many writers do today.
Most copies tended to be to friends or people associated with him in some way.
Flat signed copies are less common.
If you see a copy flat signed on the title page you should be wary from the start, he generally didn’t sign on title pages. The Spy Who Loved Me appears to be a slight exception, presumably due to red endpapers.
We have put together the following selection trying to show all the various formats the author used. All are taken from UK first editions. All are true 1st issue-1st impression.
They are all from important close association copies with impeccable provenance and guaranteed 100% genuine.
Casino-Royale - 1953
Live and Let Die - 1954
Moonraker - 1955
Diamonds Are Forever - 1956
From Russia with Love - 1957
Dr No - 1958
Goldfinger - 1959
For Your Eyes Only - 1960
Thunderball - 1961
The Spy Who Loved Me - 1962
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service - 1963
You Only Live Twice - 1964
You’ll notice that there are slight differences between the various examples, this is perfectly normal. The biggest mistake people make who are unused to verifying authentic signatures is in looking for an exact match to their sample.
All of our signatures change, especially over a period of years.
You’ll not note some salient points though:
- The full-stop and underline
- The distinctive I and A in Ian and likewise the F and L of Fleming
The most important factor is fluidity, the vast majority of fakes are poor and those that are better still lack the spontaneity that accompanies an original.
If you are considering buying then here is a brief buyers guide:
Buying Signed Ian Fleming First Editions
Buy from Specialist Booksellers
We would recommend using a well-known and established professional book dealer.
This will give you security and peace of mind, not the cheapest option but may save you a fortune in the long run !
Buying at Auction
The fact that an auction house, even the big names, offer such things does not guarantee them as 100% genuine. Seek a specialist opinion before spending a lot of money.
Buying - Bidding on ebay
This is the greatest minefield. I do not suggest that all the examples that have appeared on ebay are fakes - just that almost all the ones I have seen are.
Why ? Well … ebay lends itself to this kind of carry on.
Ebayers tend to be naive and also they are, by nature, bargain hunters !
This is not an area of book collecting best suited to bargain hunters or those with limited resources - playing this game will cost you money.
Provenance - Certificate of Authenticity - COA
True provenance is a great thing but something that rarely appears in written format providing absolute proof, something desirable but not realistic to demand.
A COA is pretty much a waste of time !
They are just printed of on home computers usually. Whilst they are a staple of the autograph market they are not used by professionals in the rare book business.
And Finally …
Unless you personally stood there and saw Ian Fleming actually sign your book you will never have absolute proof and certainty.
However, you can have every confidence if you use common sense and, just possibly, this guide.
We hope you found this useful
Rod Collins
Goldeneye Rare Books
