James Bond is coming to Christie’s next month. The auction house will host a charity sale featuring all sorts of 007 related memorabilia from Spectre, the franchise’s latest release.
The proceeds from the sale of 24 lots will go towards Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and other charitable organizations.
“As a life-long James Bond fan it gives me great pleasure for Christie’s to be part of this James Bond Spectre charity auction, celebrating the 24th film in the franchise,” David Linley Honorary Chairman of Christie’s EMERI said in a statement.
“All proceeds of the auction will benefit […] charitable organizations. We are proud to continue Cubby Broccoli’s philosophy of giving something back.”
James Bond’s Tom Ford sunglasses are included in the sale.
Photo: Christie’s London
Collectors and Bond fans can look forward to items from the EON Productions archive, as well as donations from Bond actor Daniel Craig, director Sam Mendes, Bond villain Jesper Christensen, and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Pop star Sam Smith, who wrote and performed the film’s theme song, has also contributed to the auction.
Highlights from the London live auction include Bond’s Aston Martin DB10 which is estimated to sell for between £1,000,000 ($1,432,590) and £1,500,000 ($2,148,885).
A laptop used by Q is also going under the hammer.
Photo: Christie’s London
However, collector’s won’t be speeding away in the flashy sports car because it doesn’t actually drive. The vehicle offered in the sale is for show purposes only. “The vehicle is not roadworthy,” Christie’s stressed. It “has not been approved for use on public roads.”
If you want to own Bond’s watch you can bid on the Omega Seamster 300 worn in the film by Daniel Craig. Its going to cost you an estimated £15,000 to £20,000 ($21,488 to $28,651).
Meanwhile in an online-only sale you can buy a laptop used by Ben Whishaw as Q, which has been estimated to sell for £4,000 to £6,000 ($5,730 to $8,595), and a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond, which have been estimated at £4,000 to £6,000 ($5,730 to $8,595).
But the question remains: what does Christie’s gain from auctioning off film memorabilia? Aside from the publicity, and good karma gained by donating to charity, that is. At least they’re not selling Simpsons memorabilia like Sotheby’s did in 2014.
“James Bond Spectre—the auction“ takes place live on February 18, 2016 at Christie’s London and online at christies.com from February 16 – 23, 2016.