Signed Ian Fleming Ebay Hilarity

July 19, 2006 at 2:15 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Yet more hilarity on the signed Ian Fleming James Bond front

With the advent of the film action on the signed first edition and rare book front looks to be hotting up.
Here’s a chance to bag yourself an ebay bargain.
To get the most out of this stub article check out the subsequent comments

Signed Ian Fleming apparently

Good news for those seeking really rare books, the seller has announced he is soon to be listing a Signed copy of The Man with the Golden Gun
Hahahahahah - stop you’re killing me !

We have now produced a definitive guide for those looking to authenticate real autographs which can be found here Identify Signed Ian Fleming First Editions

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71 Comments »

Rod said,

July 20, 2006 @ 3:27 pm

Craig,
he did sign often just as Ian.
As a book collector he was aware of the value of his signature and tended to dish it out only to people he knew, hence the high proportion of dedicated copies to flat signed ones.

The ebay shop fees were expected here. It was too good a deal.
Ebay all over, get people using something then hike the fees up, they planned it all along I imagine.

That said I suspect they are also concerned by the huge drop in people using their vastly more expensive auction format.
I myself never use auction anymore
Cheers
Rod
Rod said,

July 20, 2006 @ 3:51 pm

the seller has announced he is soon to be listing a Signed copy of The Man with the Golden Gun
Hahahahahah - stop you’re killing me !

To clarify for those unaware, Ian Fleming died August 12 1964
TMWTGG was published in 1965 !
Craig said,

July 20, 2006 @ 4:28 pm

Then that is either very shoddy selling (this person now states they are running a bookshop!!!), very poor research (10 minutes on google found me the signature at biblio) and although I glanced at the incredible Ian Fleming, James Bond bibliography on a site called Goldeneye Books, I confess I didn’t notice the publishing date or know the date of Fleming’s demise.

The seller needs to be very careful, as they risk totally destroying any kind of reputation they might have, not only on Ebay but also in their bricks and mortar establishment, don’t you think?
Rod said,

July 20, 2006 @ 4:36 pm

Craig,
as you say it is not overly difficult to identify a genuine signature, this presupposes you wish to do so of course.

The said auction is now up to £255, a private auction with bidder identities hidden of course.

I agree that things like this do nothing for the reputation of bookselling in general, it’s all going down the toilet anyway.

Only the Great Goldeneye Plan will save us !
Rod said,

July 21, 2006 @ 9:30 am

Update: Signed Goldfinger has now gone up!
Just waiting for the Golden Gun now - come on you beauty !
A gentleman said,

July 22, 2006 @ 7:05 pm

It looks more like ‘Hui Heung’.

Maybe it’s the ownership signature of an asian gentleman?
Rod said,

July 22, 2006 @ 7:29 pm

It’s certainly embarrassing, I just hope nobody has emailed him about his Golden Gun, I really want to see that go up !

BTW, I was once offered a copy of Octopussy signed by Ian Fleming on the title page in pencil !

PS, if you wondering why your comments have to be approved it’s only because the name is changing. Using a name and email address previously approved will put your comment live immediately.

Thanks and regards
Rod
Rod said,

July 23, 2006 @ 9:27 am

Update:

Needless to say both of the auctions are private (bidders identity hidden)

Despite there being over 3 days difference in the listing time both have amazingly risen to exactly £301 each this morning - fancy that !
Craig said,

July 23, 2006 @ 12:13 pm

Have you opend the two auctions up side by side and compared the signatures on the close-up photos?

They are absolutely identical, which even for a man of Fleming’s talent is amazing. To sign two different books in exactly the same spot on the page, incredible.

Bring the pictures of the full title page up however, and they are different!

Too lazy even to make sure that they upload the correct pictures for each auction?
Rod said,

July 23, 2006 @ 2:33 pm

Well spotted Craig!
It’s a fiasco - no doubt about that.
Someone just sent me another couple of fakes that were recently on ebay, it is no wonder ebay is seen so badly by many !
Rod said,

July 26, 2006 @ 11:20 am

A professional seller has had to add this to a listing he has just put in the gallery, a perfectly sound listing I hasten to add

Please note….The signature offered for sale(unlike the poor fake Fleming signatures online at the moment) is 100% genuine and is unconditionally guarenteed for the buyers piece of mind. Please bid with confidence

A sign of the times !
Craig said,

July 27, 2006 @ 9:05 pm

The first auction finished @ £650.00

It’s quite worrying that genuine sellers have now got to put notice’s that guarantee authenticity, when before the sellers reputation was the guarantee.

Ebay sux
Rod said,

July 28, 2006 @ 8:04 am

Craig,
there is no mention of reserve met or not met in the ebay blurd at the top.
Yet the seller clearly states there is a reserve in the description.

It’s a private auction so………..
The final price also showed that nobody who knew anything about signed Fleming bid on the book
Cheers
Rod
John Vincent said,

August 5, 2006 @ 11:54 pm

Check out my signed copy of Octopussy on Ebay.:>) Ends in 1 hr.
look for auctions by oldpro
Rod said,

August 6, 2006 @ 8:37 am

John,
excellent - love it !
As John’s auction will disappear in time I have pasted Oldpro’s auction text for the signed Ian Fleming below.
We need more of this I think
Thanks again for taking the time to comment John, hope it is OK to use the text, if not let me know and I’ll remove
All the best
Rod

OK I am kidding about the signed part. The book was published in 1966 and Fleming died in 1964. However, if you want it signed, I can have it signed, just as good or better than the multitude of signed copies out there. What a joke! At least I have a better ebay feedback than they do and I can give you a COA (Certificate of Authenticity), which is only worth the paper it is written on, if that will make you feel any better. Enough, but I am getting tired of the many people getting duped. Remember, Fleming rarely signed anything and avoided any signing opportunities. I would guess that 99 out of 100 “signed” copies on ebay are fakes! The only one that you can be assured are truely signed are the limited edition copies of OHMSS. Now the book. It is a 1st UK edition in 1st UK dust jacket. The book is mint and the dust jacket would also be mint if the price hadn’t been clipped. There is a Cape sticker of 80p where the price would be.
John Vincent said,

August 6, 2006 @ 7:06 pm

Thanks Rod,
You are welcome to use it. I got a few inquirys asking my opinion about some of the “signed” copies on ebay and while I am not an expert, I have one of the limited edition OHMSS and I can use my eyes. While even a handwriting expert cannot tell with 100% certainty whether or not a Ian Fleming signature is real, you must use common sense. Questions: Without provenance, why would Ian Fleming sign a beat up book club edition of FRWL? Wouldn’t a collector take better care of it? Why would Fleming sign a 3rd printing of Goldfinger? Why would you want to pay $1000+ for it? How often would you find a signed paperback copy being sold out of the boot of a car? Because of the high prices being paid for “signed” copies, the temptation for people to committ fraud is too great, even supposedly reputable book dealers. The magic words are caveat emptor or buyer beware!
John
Rod said,

August 7, 2006 @ 8:25 am

John,
I get plagued by requests to authenticate signed Ian Fleming, mainly via the online bibliography.
The fakes are very easy top spot, but for those unfamiliar with signed books then I would advise buying only from experienced professional dealers.

You can buy on ebay but be very careful who you deal with, I have myself sold a signed first edition of Dr No on ebay but would still urge caution when using that venue - any serious dealer would have to have a good reason to put such a book on ebay!

In fairness John, Ian Fleming did sign paperbacks and reprints but not the ones I am about to post below
Regards
Rod
Rod said,

August 7, 2006 @ 8:55 am

OK here we go again - just when you thought it could not get any better !
Do read the text, it’s hilarious

I paid £2 for both books at a carboot about a month ago. Imagine my shock when I saw Ian Flemings signature in them! I tried to keep a straight face but the middle aged Lady seller didn’t mention they were signed…she seemed oblivious to the fact.

Better still a question for seller he received

The problem with these books (besides the fact that looks nothing like Fleming’s signature) is that Fleming was already dead when these books were published.

Seller Answer

Hi, the whole area of signatures/signed copies is a very dodgy one. Since listing these books I’ve compared these signatures to other supposedly genuine Fleming ones. The letter formations are very similar, the only difference being that the ones in these 2 books the signature descends rather than ascends…possibly a sign of ill health. It was and still is common place for authors to sign copies for their publishers. Also there are numerous examples of books being put on hold(sometimes for years) and not released on their arranged date. I know one book was published in 65 and Fleming died in 64…stranger still then is the fact that Thrilling Cities II published just a few months after Fleming’s death, makes no mention of his death! Proof that books are ready to be published months before the actual publishing date!! I’ve made no claims regards authenticity, potential buyers are free to visit my home for a viewing before bidding, whether they do or not, they are bidding on what they see in the photos and neither the photos or description are misleading. The item will be bought as seen with a legal contract. The fact that I’ve allowed your question to be seen on the listing page and answered as such proves…I hope(!)…that at least I’m genuine

The final price was £77.50 - no comment on the bidding !

Looks like this thread will run and run - further amusement as and when !
Myles Irvine said,

December 18, 2006 @ 7:03 pm

Hi Rod
I was going to add a comment to your Blog on the Signed Ian Fleming EBay
hilarity thread but there is no Comment box at the foot of it.

One of your contributors states

‘’Remember, Fleming rarely signed anything and avoided any signing
opportunities.'’

Not actually quite true. My father (deceased) used to work up in London
and one day on the way home, in 1961 I presume, Ian Fleming was doing a
book signing at Waterloo Station -somewhat reluctantly perhaps. My
father had some cash on him and accordingly got a signed copy of a First
Edition Thunderball. The book has been very carefully looked after and
when I next see my mother I will check out what the signature looks like.

One would assume that a signing at Waterloo (probably there for an hour
or two) would produce say a maximum of a couple of hundred signed copies.

I guess dedicated ones are worth more but nevertheless a good investment
I suspect.

–
Best Wishes
Myles Irvine
Rod said,

December 18, 2006 @ 7:06 pm

Myles
many thanks for the VERY interesting contribution. You also have a great investment as well, a much better return than anything else that springs to mind
Regards
Rod
Witches of Eastwick said,

December 18, 2006 @ 9:20 pm

Did any of you watch the latest antiques roadshow? A lady who used to be Ian’s secretary, had ten personally dedicated first editions. £6,000 each!
Rod said,

December 19, 2006 @ 8:12 am

WoE
no I did not see that one, wish I had, would have been interesting to see their valuations.
I suspect they were mostly wrong

I suspect those books may have hit the market, was it an old show?
Best
Rod
John Wiffen said,

December 24, 2006 @ 8:46 am

The Antiques Road Show was a recent one, and the lady’s name was Una. She worked for the Express Newspapers. Inscriptions and dedications looked right but who mknows. I tried to check out her name, but no luck.
Best
John
Rod said,

December 24, 2006 @ 8:54 am

Hi John
thanks for the information, I’ll try and dig up some more on the story.
Thanks for commenting
Regards
Rod
John Vincent said,

November 7, 2007 @ 4:45 pm

Hi Rod,
The latest Fleming Signed hilarity. Check ebay item # 270182569450.
This is a US book club edition that when the dust jacket is present has the movie poster of Roger Moore and Diamonds Are Forever as the front dust jacket picture. Unfortunately the movie aired in 1971. I asked for a picture of the signature and was advised that the seller would try. Alas, no picture!
Regards,
John
Rod said,

November 7, 2007 @ 4:59 pm

Hi John
thanks for that, great catch !
I took a look and really …
I am tempted to say it’s hysterical but of course someone who is new to the game and a little naive may well end up buying it !
Regards
Rod
John Vincent said,

December 3, 2007 @ 11:03 pm

Hi Rod,
Another good one for ebay. And this one has provenance! I don’t know when Fleming signed it, but the signature looks like he was on his death bed.
Ebay # 170172060859.
Regards,
John
Rod said,

December 4, 2007 @ 8:49 am

Hi John
another auction I must bid on
For posterity I have a picture below from the actual auction

The provenance is also quite a delight and very reasssuring:

The book was personally signed by Ian Fleming for my father (who served with Ian Fleming during WW2)
at a Royal Navy Dinner when the book was launched.

This falls nicely into known history and commonsense as the British Royal Navy are on record as having hosted lavish dinners to launch the release of the American Book Club Edition of a Fleming new release and, of course, IF would never miss such a function.

Thanks as always John
Regards
Rod
John Vincent said,

December 11, 2007 @ 2:35 am

Hi Rod,
I don’t know if you keep track, but the book club edition “signed” by Fleming just sold for nearly $2500.00! I just wish people would read your blog and see what scams are out there. I feel like I am wasting your time and mine.
Happy holidays.
John
Rod said,

December 11, 2007 @ 8:28 am

Hi John
thanks for the update, it’s staggering !
As to wasting time John, a lot of people look at this page every week, literally 1000s of people have read it since I wrote it, hopefully some have been saved from the likes of the above.

Thanks again for the contribution John, please do continue
Regards and festive greetings
Rod
John Vincent said,

December 15, 2007 @ 11:32 pm

Hi Rod,
Well I didn’t listen to that little voice that told me not to do it, but I just purchased a Fleming signature on ebay. Check out item # 300180090480.
I corresponded twice with the seller and I liked what he had to say about “signed” Fleming items. It seemed as if he is a sincere seller and his explanation of how he came into possession of the signature sounded good. Maybe I am trying to rationalize my purchase, but the signature looks good. I will let you know more once I get it. The price, if authentic was really good, maybe because he listed it as a FleMMing item.
John
Rod said,

December 16, 2007 @ 9:15 am

Hi John
I checked out the item but could see too much from the picture.
Hope it’s all OK
Rod
John Vincent said,

December 17, 2007 @ 3:11 pm

Hi Rod,
Just when I thought I had seen the worst Ian Fleming “signature”. Here we go again, a US book club edition of Thunderball. Ebay item # 140191051844. Listed at $99. I wonder if it will go for $2500 again. However, this one comes without “provenance”.
Best,
John
Rod said,

December 17, 2007 @ 3:38 pm

John
that’s a corker - a real plum, so much so I thought I ought to preserve it for posterity and put the picture on record

Absolutely Priceless ! - or not in this case
Regards
Rod
John Vincent said,

December 20, 2007 @ 4:08 pm

Hi Rod,
In all fairness, here is one (Ebay Item # 200185718152) that doesn’t look to bad. I will check him out for provenance.
John
Rod said,

December 20, 2007 @ 4:26 pm

Hi John
certainly a better effort than most - deserving of credit
Rod
John Vincent said,

December 20, 2007 @ 11:12 pm

Hi Rod,
Here is the provenance for the Book Club “For Your Eyes Only”.

It was signed for Elisabeth Furse who ran a Bistro in London at the back of the Royal Court Theatre. He often had a meal there when he was in London. The bistro was a well known venue for
influential brits in the 60s.
Elisabeth gave it to me before her death.
Regards,
Jola

I received my signed card today and I believe it to be authentic. There are several reasons, too many to elaborate. If not authentic, somebody did a clumsy effort in trying to make it look good i.e., there was old glue on back etc.
Rod said,

December 21, 2007 @ 9:21 am

John
Here is the provenance for the Book Club “For Your Eyes Only”.
ummmm !!!!!

Pleased the card looks good - just goes to show that not everything on the auction site is wrong.
Regards
RC
John Vincent said,

January 29, 2008 @ 8:06 pm

Hi Rod,
I am sorry to keep giving you more, but the hits keep on coming. Check out ebay #**********. This beauty will only cost you $900 USD unless you buy it now for $999. And to top it off, it comes with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity). Now THAT makes me feel a whole lot better!
Regards,
John
Rod said,

January 30, 2008 @ 8:48 am

John
many thanks - what a catch - always greatly appreciated !
So good I had to bring the photo for posterity. Apologies for clarity but this is exactly as it appears

Pleased to hear the COA tempts you John
Depressingly, eBay would act on an auction such as this, not because of the item but they ’seem’ to suggest that anyone using Paypal is subject to a service charge

Thanks again John
RC
John Vincent said,

January 30, 2008 @ 4:10 pm

Hi again Rod,
As in Alice in Wonderland it gets curiouser and curiouser. If you check out item #********** it appears the same seller sold the same item a few days before for $49.95. It appears as if he thought if he could find someone to buy this fraud for $49, maybe he could find someone to buy it again for $900. I guess they are hireing the same poor forger. You are right about ebay. They should take some action alot of times, but are to busy raking in the dollars!
Best,
John
Rod said,

January 30, 2008 @ 6:44 pm

Hi John
I’ve checked it out and as you say …
Clearly no innocent mistake there !

I’ve edited the item number out (after we’ve all seeen it of course) , I hope you don’t mind, given the nature of the auction and some of the words we are using …
Sounds silly I know but I’m legally responsible for anything said on the site.

It’s OK to post them in future I can edit later or we can just allude to things

You’re also right about eBay, they are paying the price now though as their lack of policing has brought about a downturn in their income - buyer confidence has gone.
Buyers and sellers leaving in droves - their greed and arrogance has ruined a once great site.
Thanks again John - a lot of people gain from this
Rod
John Vincent said,

February 4, 2008 @ 4:01 pm

Hi Rod,
I don’t want to draw your attention to all the signed Fleming on ebay, but this peaks my interest (not to bid, however) since it involves a well regarded auction house. Check ebay item # 180209485701. I will try and get provenance from them, but they usually don’t respond to questions until just 1 or 2 days before the auction ends.
Best,
John
Rod said,

February 4, 2008 @ 5:22 pm

Hi John
it’s certainly not the best layed out auction is it !
I don’t understand why on earth they would do this.
Surely the last thing any auction house wants is a connection to ebay !
Regards and many thanks for the input
Rod
GARY J. FIRUTA said,

February 6, 2008 @ 2:40 am

The comments and advice here is informative, priceless and quite entertaining! Almost as much fun as finding the post 1964 Fleming-signed ‘gems’ themselves!
Rod said,

February 6, 2008 @ 8:32 am

Hi Gary
pleased you enjoyed it and welcome to the site.
I like to think it serves 2 purposes and you’ve mentioned them both.
A timley warning for those unaware or new to it and a chance to shake the head and smile for those ‘in the know’ so to speak
Regards
Rod
John Vincent said,

February 14, 2008 @ 1:20 am

Hi Rod,
As a follow-up to my latest addition to your web page, here is the response I got from the auction house regarding the authenticity of the Fleming signature.

“Thank you for your enquiry. The signature was shown to one of the leading dealers in Fleming books, who felt it could be correct, insofar as in the main the signature seems correct in regard to the characters, but he was concerned by the ‘a’ I seem to remember, possibly as a result of being a rushed signature, but however felt he would not be interested in buying it due to his own concerns that it could not be authenticated 100%; the owners advise me they purchased the book in the 1960s from a reputable London-based dealer who had it signed by Fleming near the time of publication, but that is all they could add. We felt it to be sufficiently correct against other examples we have had.
Sorry if that is somewhat conclusive!”

So as you can see, buyer beware again is the rule of the day.

John
Rod said,

February 14, 2008 @ 8:48 am

Hi John
that is very interesting indeed.
I would praise them for their honesty, what they said above is actually true.

But as you say caveat emptor - if I had doubts about something I wouldn’t market it
regards and many thanks John
RC
Rich said,

August 6, 2008 @ 2:32 am

Hi Rod–
Just wondering if there are legit variations of Ian Fleming’s signature when signing a book … I have seen him sign correspondance, “Yours ever, Ian” without adding his last name, but did he sign books using simply his first name or as I have recently seen” “from Ian F.” with line underneath it?
Rod said,

August 6, 2008 @ 8:31 am

Hi Rich
all of the variations you mention are legitimate, indeed the use of just his first name is pretty common, though that would usually be an association copy.
John said,

January 5, 2010 @ 5:11 pm

Hi Rod,
Happy New Year! I haven’t corresponded for awhile, not because there were no new items of interest, but because I became weary of all the Fleming signatures out there. This was at least worth mentioning however. Check out ebay item #270510036788. From a book store/dealer from the UK.
Best,
John
Rod said,

January 5, 2010 @ 6:04 pm

Hi John,
likewise happy new year to you as well.
I enjoyed looking at that
Best
Rod
Snowman said,

April 9, 2010 @ 8:05 am

Hi everyone,
As a Fleming collector I’ve been accessing this site for quite a while and figured it was about time I got interactive. I’ve decided to start my contributions in this thread as to be honest I’ve been crying with laughter at some of the signature images…the Thunderball one in particular looks like it was done by my cat. However, there is a serious point to my entry. Once an “autograph” has been through a few hands (unless it’s a real shocker) it begins to gain a degree of credibility, with each leg of it’s journey adding another layer of “tracable provenance”; even if it’s shrouded in ever decreasing amounts of bu*****t. I refer in particular to a “signed” paperback copy of Moonraker (1963 Pan) that was sold on Ebay a couple of months ago.

As usual it was stated that the original owner obtained it from a friend of a relative who obtained it directly from a worker at Pinewood studios and it was now being sold on behalf of a widow who wanted to settle an estate (the Pinewood ! connection seems to be a common factor with these things). This item has now reached the hands of a minor American dealer who, to his ever lasting shame, is offering it for further sale. Any cursory glance at the signature would reveal it to be a pretty shoddy fake but this doean’t seem to matter.

So, before I staret to rant, I have a question to conclude my initial post…has anyone ever come accross a Fleming autograph on Ebay that is even possibly genuine. It would be interesting to find one. Although on the other hand, I’ve had so much fun seeing the dreadful fakes maybe I don’t want my enjoyment spoiled.
Speak soon
Snowman
Rod said,

April 9, 2010 @ 8:58 am

Snowman,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site.
It’s all over you have to be careful. I was once asked for my opinion on a signed Fleming first by a major auction house. I said “it’s a fake”
They sought another opinion and got the same reply . . . they auctioned it anyway !

There’s certainly been a few genuine signed Fleming’s on eBay - a few years ago I sold a signed Dr No on there - the book was badly flawed hence going on eBay but it was genuine

Cheers
Rod
John said,

April 15, 2010 @ 12:05 am

Hi Rod,
This is off the usual subject matter, but I wanted to draw readers attention to another problem that is rearing its ugly head. That being the fake Man With the Golden Gun books with the “Golden Gun” (not) embossed on the cover. The real “Golden Gun” books were numbered in the 100’s and were sold primarily in Australia and New Zeland and possibly South Africa. Recently one of the fakes was sold on ebay and properly identified by the honest seller as a fake. Now there appears to be the identical book being sold for over $600, but without the caveat . The original seller stated that he was aware of several fakes being placed on the market and with the value of a real Golden Gun rivaling a signed Fleming, consumers should be aware of this problem and be extremely careful in getting one of the “Golden Gun” books. Do you have any recommendations for a buyer so they do not get taken by the seller of these books which is becoming similar to the fake signed Ian Fleming books? You are a expert who is not afraid of highlighting improprieties. Thanks, John
Rod said,

April 15, 2010 @ 9:20 am

Hi John,
there are indeed fakes out there as you rightly say.
They’re easy to tell when in the hand as the cloth is different, different sort of ‘texture’ if you will
Just look at the common or garden MWTGG and if the cloth is the same it’s a fake !

Thanks and regards
Rod
RedGrant said,

April 16, 2010 @ 1:52 pm

Hi Rod

I, like Snowman, have been observing your site for a while. I would love an Ian Fleming signed book/letter for my collection, but knowing what’s real and what’s not is so tricky. Based on my research, if it’s much less than £500 it’s probably a fake - not least because the dealers would snap it up.

This thread has always been amusing and I too have been watching the ebay sites. I think it’s disgraceful when you see a clear forgery being sold way above value - especially if not even a 1st edition (eg BCA). Greater awareness is the key and for that, I salute you and your site!

Best wishes

Red
Rod said,

April 16, 2010 @ 7:18 pm

Red
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site. It is an expensive game I’m afraid - bargains are few and far between . . . I say that because just for the hell of it I stopped writing this and went for a quick look on a well known internet auction site

Seems I’m wrong a signed Ian Fleming ist for half the sum you mentioned

Take it steady Red and, as they say, ‘be careful out there’
All the best
Rod
Snowman said,

July 8, 2010 @ 10:45 pm

Hi again everyone,
Just to keep you up to date with important current affairs…there’s a new “genuine” Fleming autographed paperback copy of Goldfinger for sale on Ebay…and it’s an absolute corker (ie: funny as hell). Apparantly it was personally signed in 1961 when Fleming attennded a parade (?!). I won’t spoil your fun by pasting an image of it as you’ll have plenty of enjoyment tracking it down for yourselves but I’m sure Rod will offer a prize of several million Brownie points for the first one to find it.
Now, forgive me if I’m wrong but wasn’t 1961 the year that Fleming had several months of negotiations to finalise the Eon deal, spent further months in legal wrangles over the Thunderball publication, had his first heart attack and spent the rest of the time recouperating in Jamaica? There’s little wonder he was so keen to sign a crap copy of a paperback thrust under his nose.
By the way, does anyone know a site where sad, lonely Fleming fans like myself are able to swap and trade some of their unwanted stock?
Keep ‘em peeled everyone.
Snowan
Rod said,

July 9, 2010 @ 8:44 am

Snowman,
awesome - that’s better entertainment value than the TV licence !
This could be the best one yet - here’s a pic and an absolutely delicious line from the auction description - love it

Now, let me make this clear… IT IS NOT FAKE! People who sell fake autographs, things like that, are SCUM!

Actually they’re so good here’s another:

When i bought this book for my son back in 1961, we attended a parade. Ian Fleming was in it, and my 11 year old son ran up to him and asked him to sign this book. He did sign it as you can see, it is very small and a bit rushed (looks like)

It’s also described as: a once in a lifetime offer and indeed it is

How much for this signed Ian Fleming book, £2,000 - £3,000 . . . more . . .
No, £125 ‘buy it now’ price

How funny
Well it won’t be if somebody buys it !
Cheers Snowman
Best
Rod
Snowman said,

July 9, 2010 @ 12:35 pm

Hi Rod,
I think maybe this guy is getting a little confused on who signed his book. I can’t decide if the signature looks like Tom Clancy or Groucho Marx.
Lets be careful out there
Snowman
John said,

February 15, 2011 @ 3:57 pm

Hi Rod,
A new year, a new corker (as you say). See ebay # 250771290790. Now this is a real find and the feedback gives me additional confidence. This is one to keep track of and see how many bidders are willing to take a chance.
Happy 2011,
John
Rod said,

February 15, 2011 @ 5:33 pm

John,
you’ve picked a few corkers out before but this one’s a real cracker
Fantastic ! Absolutely superb
Regards
Rod
John said,

March 9, 2011 @ 10:01 pm

Hi Rod,
Here is a very nice signed copy on ebay, #120695801236. I am proud this one is from Illinois where I live, but not too proudly. It is nice to see that this is not even a good attempted forgery. Nearly $4000 dollars! At least he isn’t trying to sell it at a bargain which we have discussed would be a dead giveaway.
Best,
John
Rod said,

March 10, 2011 @ 8:26 am

John,
I used to know somebody who ‘tricked’ Connery into siging a book on a golf course - he was furious when he twigged what he’d done
best
Rod
John said,

April 15, 2011 @ 5:35 pm

Hi Rod,
Do you have an opinion on ebay item # 140534788263? I hesitate to cast doubt so will not comment about another signed item from this seller.
Best,
John
Rod said,

April 15, 2011 @ 7:05 pm

Hi John,
there has to have been more than one person called ‘Ian Fleming’ . . .
Regards
Rod
Oddjob said,

September 9, 2011 @ 7:31 pm

Hi everyone,

Great website Rob, I’ve only just recently started collecting first editions. When I say collecting, I currently have none but am on the look out .

I was wondering whats the deal with the note cards. On quite a few books I’ve seen Ian Flemings signature on a note card, on some books the note card wasn’t attached on others it was stuck in the book, I assumed all these were fake and that people has actually had the cheek to just get Ian Flemings signatured forged onto a piece of card and place it in. But then I noticed on a couple of posts that you were talking of these as though they are legit so I was just hoping you could clarify what the deal is with these note cards.

Thanks a ton

Oddjob
Rod said,

September 10, 2011 @ 7:25 am

Oddjob,
if by ‘note cards’ you mean bits of paper etc with a signature on that have either been stuck in a book or just laid in then they are just as likely to be genuine or fake as a signed book.
Generally they are simply cut from letters and the like, quite why people stick them in books I’ve never known, my view is that your defacing the book - the idea of a signed book is that the author signed it . . .
All the best
Rod
JOHN said,

December 11, 2011 @ 8:04 pm

Hi again Rod,
I haven’t written you for some time, but this latest on ebay just had to be addressed just by virtue of the classy listing. Ebay item # 190614060678.
Best to you in the coming New Year!
Rod said,

December 12, 2011 @ 7:57 am

John,
that has to be the most ridiculous and overblown auction I’ve ever seen !
Thanks as always John and all the best for 2012
Regards,
Rod