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
Graham Holl said,
September 27, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
Hi Rod,
I have a signed copy of Ian Fleming`s On Her Majesty`s Secret Service. This is a presentation copy, one of only 50, I believe. This was presented to me for a winning window display to promote the release of the book when I worked for W.H.Smith & Son. The book is hardbacked with a silver ski track on the front. It has a coloured page inside and on the following page is the signature.
Any idea where the best place to have this valued would be & how much it may be for the valuation.
Many thanks
Graham Holl
Rod said,
September 29, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Hi Graham,
a specialist book auction house shoud be able to give you some idea of what the book might fetch
Cheers
Rod
Paul Hansell said,
October 1, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Hi Rod,
What advice can you give about Mr. Fleming’s signature on a movie poster? Thanks for any help you might be able to provide.
Rod said,
October 1, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
Hi Paul,
I personally would be cautious - proceed with caution as they say
Cheers
Rod
christopher spibey said,
November 9, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Hello Rod
I have been offered a few items namely a signed 1st ed of OHMSS,a signed Agatha Christie book and a clipped Conan Doyle signature and wondered if you could help me to verify in particular the Fleming signature.It appears to be excellent and is signed directly to the book but having read your comments on being wary of books signed on the title age i,m now slightly unsure.Would it be possible to email them through for your advice.Many thanks in advance kind regards chris
Rod said,
November 9, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
Hi Christopher,
I’m afraid it’s not a service we provide - sorry about that - 100s of emails a week requesting guidance and valuations etc.
Sorry to disappoint and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return
All the best
Rod
christopher spibey said,
November 9, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
Hi Rod
Thanks for coming back to me and i appreciate your comments.Would you know of anywhere that may be able to help as obviously if these are good genuine items as i think they are i obviously don,t want to let them slip by.Im not after a valuation or anything like that just a simple heads up so i don,t get seriously stung,many thanks again for you prompt reply kind regards chris
Rod said,
November 9, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Hi Chris,
I don’t know of any experienced dealers in this field who simply authenticate books and signatures I’m afraid.
Best
Rod
Brenda said,
November 19, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
Being unable to remember what year it was that Ian Fleming passed away, I grabbed an autographed “Octopussy” at a charity book sale.
I am perfectly happy to have blown two bucks on a very funny forgery. Who would fake the author’s signature in a book that says right on the next page “© 1965, 1966 by the Literary Executors of Ian Fleming deceased”? Someone thinks autograph collectors are not very bright…
On the other hand, it’s too bad, because it ruins an otherwise excellent (though dust-jacket-less) first edition from Jonathan Cape.
Rod said,
November 20, 2009 @ 8:19 am
Hi Brenda,
a full-time professional book dealer once offered me a signed copy of Octopussy !
Cheers
Rod