Many firearms enthusiasts don’t only love their own guns, they can appreciate good movie guns as well. And when it comes to guns in film, there are plenty of iconic models from which to choose. One of the most popular has to be James Bond’s iconic Walther. This signature pistol made its silver screen debut in the first 007 movie, 1962’s Dr. No. This seminal piece of film history saw the late, great Sean Connery bring British spy James Bond to life in what would become a cultural phenomenon that is still going strong today, almost six decades later.

This Walther was one of only two “hero weapons” that James Bond/Sean Connery actually used.

Bond employs his Walther “PPK” (though in actuality the prop was a slightly longer-barrelled PP) throughout his historic first adventure. Only two prop guns were used in the film, and in the wake of Connery’s recent passing, one of these two screen-used Walthers is set to be sold at auction next month. Beverly Hills-based Julien’s Auctions has released the catalogue for their “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” auction slated for Thursday, December 3rd. You can participate in this auction online, from the comfort of your home with a martini in hand, if you so choose. Shaken, not stirred – as it should be.

This piece of film firearms history is expected to fetch a hefty price, projected in the $150,000 – $200,000 range.

SEAN CONNERY “JAMES BOND” WALTHER PP PISTOL USED IN DR. NO WITH DVD

A Walther PP handgun used by Sean Connery as James Bond, 007, in the very first Bond film, Dr. No (EON Productions, 1962).

Connery, who uses this hero weapon throughout the film, helped to establish and define the character that has been featured in books, films, and other media for the last nearly six decades.

As the cinematic debut of the character of James Bond, the filmmakers and star had to capture the imagination of the public worldwide to create a film series dynamic enough to endure and persevere over time.

James Bond has become one of only a handful of genre film franchises that has been a staple of popular culture generation after generation.

The silhouette of the Walther PP and PPK has served as the key iconic image for the character of James Bond since the film franchise debuted with Dr. No, and this deactivated handgun was the first of all that followed.

One of two employed in the film, this prop was identified by the original film armorer, BAPTY in the UK, which had it until the official BAPTY Archive auction in 2006. It has since been archived in the collection of that buyer for the last 14 years.

The weapon is referred to in the film as a Walther PPK by M (Bernard Lee), but in actuality the production used this Walther PP .380 ACP.

The weapon includes a Certificate of De-Activation from The London Proof House (rendering it incapable of discharging) and a letter of provenance from BAPTY dated September 2006 “to verify that the accompanying Walther PP, serial number 19174A was used by Sean Connery in the 1962 Eon production Dr No. The original grips have been replaced on a subsequent production” and “Bapty are supplier’s or Arms and military equipment as props to the film and television industry in the UK, Europe and world wide for over forty years, we provided weaponry for every Bond film from Dr. No through To Die Another Day.”

NOTICE: The firearm must be registered in accordance with state and federal laws through Little John’s Auction Service, 1740 W. La Veta, Orange, CA 92868. Registration forms must be completed at this location or at your local FFL/gun shop, and the firearms must be picked up from this location or transferred to your local FFL/gun shop. Buyer must provide a Handgun Safety Certificate or obtain one through Little John’s or in conjunction with your local FFL/gun shop if you do not already possess one. Also, pickup must be made at Little John’s Auction Service after the 10-day waiting period and within thirty (30) days after registration, or the lot must be transferred to your local FFL/gun shop as per your state and/or federal requirements. Accompanied by a copy of the film.

PROVENANCE Lot 170, Christie’s Film and Entertainment Sale 4912. Previously The BAPTY Archive.
Letter of Provenance, BAPTY
Certificate of De-Activation, The London Proof House
$150,000-200,000

Photos courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.