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Lot #431
Ian Fleming Typed Letter Signed - "I will see to it that James Bond eats the right kind of butter"

"I will see to it that James Bond eats the right kind of butter in future"—rare Fleming letter boasting two direct "James Bond" references

Estimate: $8000+

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Server Time: 11/22/2024 09:02:00 PM EST
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Description

"I will see to it that James Bond eats the right kind of butter in future"—rare Fleming letter boasting two direct "James Bond" references

Rare TLS, one page, 5 x 8, personal '4 Old Mitre Court' letterhead, September 10, 1963. Letter to Dr. Mary K. Williams, in full: “Thank you very much for your cautionary letter of September 3rd and I will see to it that James Bond eats the right kind of butter in future. But I am terribly sorry to hear of your misfortune, and I send you my and James Bond's wishes for an early recovery.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. A desirable letter from the revered British novelist that contains the seldom-seen presence of two “James Bond” references; direct mentions by Fleming of special agent 007 are extremely scarce and highly sought-after.

Fleming took rooms in Mitre Court Chambers to use as a writing office during his final years when the success of the Bond series allowed him to stop working for Kemsley at The Sunday Times. The rooms were just off Fleet Street in an area of London mostly populated by journalists and the legal profession. Fleming's friend Rennie Hoare, of the banking dynasty, found him the rooms: Mitre Court was at the back of Hoare's Bank and was owned by the bank. Fleming died the following year from a heart attack at the age of 56.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Science & Technology and Animation
  • Dates: November 22, 2024 - December 11, 2024





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