The original vendor, who was commissioned to shoot the images required for the publicity campaign for the second Bond film From Russia With Love, explains in his accompanying letter that ...it was decided that for the main image in the poster and advertising campaign what was required was a strong portrait of Sean Connery as Bond 007, with his Walther pistol... He explains further that when Connery arrived at his studio for the shoot, it was discovered by publicist Tom Carlile that no one had brought the gun needed for the shoot, the synonymous small Walther automatic [Walther PPK]. By chance the photographer practised air pistol target shooting as a hobby and had the gun he used for this purpose, also a Walther, at the studio -- ...It was decided...that - without telling Sean or the other representatives of United Artists - we would use my pistol for the pictures and presumed that should anyone have doubts on their seeing the name Walther on the gun, they would be reassured. This was, in fact, the case. In theory...the long barrel of the air-pistol... should have been removed by airbrushing during the designing of the actual poster - in practice... this was never done...



UK Bidders: please note that, if successful, you will be required to collect this lot in person from Christie's and present an identification document proving you are at least 18 years of age. Alternatively Christie's can release the lot to your nominated Registered Firearms Dealer.

