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The archive of coveted prototype and "Number
One" James Bond vehicles by Corgi are to be auction
by Bonhams this week...
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Corgi James Bond 'Number One' Auction
2nd October 2007
Bonhams - the international fine art auctioneers - has been
appointed by Corgi - one of the best-known die-cast model makers
in the world - to sell its archive of coveted prototype and "Number
One" vehicles.
The unique auction will take place on 3 October 2007 at Bonhams'
Knowle salerooms in Solihull, West Midlands.
Corgi was one of the first companies to produce limited edition
toys specifically for collectors. Until now, it has been Corgi's
policy to retain the first item off the production line for the
archive
and it is a selection of these 'Number One's' that Bonhams will
sell
along with a selection of prototypes used in the manufacturing
process, such has hand-painted
resin samples and mock-ups.
Lot No: 1 - Production Line Number One James Bond Casino
Briefcase
A numbered retailer exclusive of just 2520 pieces worldwide.
Featuring nine classic 1:36 scale Bond vehicles with
a unique chrome finish packed in a ‘flight case’ style
briefcase with embossed James Bond logo and 0001 numbered
certificate
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With over 500 lots for sale the stars of the auction will be
the "Number One" models" and collectors will be
given the unprecedented opportunity of bidding for classic archive
properties including
models relating to: James Bond 007, Star Trek , Batman, The Beatles,
The Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, The Muppets, Dr Who, Starsky & Hutch,
Knightrider, Only Fools & Horses,
The Avengers, and Noddy.
Items from Corgi's Aviation ranges, such as Spitfires and The
Dam Busters, will be sold too, along with a selection of classic
car models, buses and coaches, commercial, haulage, transport
and vehicle
ranges.
Lot No: 3 - Prototype James Bond Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Gold Plated
1:36 scale 24 Carat Gold plated from the 2002 film ‘Die
Another Day’
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Lot No: 4 - Prototype James Bond Aston Martin DBS solid
resin cast with applied decoration
1:36 scale from the 2006 film 'Casino Royale'
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Corgi will also make one very special lot available at Bonhams'
auction. The "
Corgi Golden One" lot will guarantee the successful bidder
the "Number One" model from every Corgi Collector die-cast
to be released in 2008, comprising over 350 models delivered
direct to their door - all
certified as the "
Number One" of each release. This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to create a unique collection.
"Corgi has a rich heritage stretching back over 50 years,
but this means that our archive has reached pretty sizeable proportions
and in order to maintain the archive for the collectors of the
future
we need to make some room," says Darren Epstein, Executive
Vice President of Global Business Development at Corgi International. "We
felt there was no better way to make space for the next 50 years
than
to open up
the archive and allow everyone a chance to obtain some of the
cherished content. Of
course we will be sad to see our 'firstborns' go but we know
that they
will be going to excellent homes.
Lot No: 5 - Prototype James Bond Aston Martin DBS resin
cast with applied decoration
1:36 scale from the 2006 film 'Casino Royale'
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"We are delighted that Bonhams has chosen to recognise
the popularity of a contemporary collectible by supporting this
auction. Corgi products are very popular with both hardcore and
casual collectors of
all ages and this auction is an excellent opportunity for anybody
to obtain
legitimately unique and highly collectable items that have never
been made
available
before."
Sale catalogues listing all of the Corgi
items to be sold by Bonhams, cost £ 15 each plus postage
and packaging. To order a copy, please call Bonhams'
Catalogue Subscriptions on +44 (0)1666 502 200, or email:
[email protected]
For further information about the sale, visit www.bonhams.com/toys
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