17th Nov, 2021 11:00
Jewellery, Watches & Silver
282
Of Ian Fleming interest: A pair of cultured pearl set cufflinks, each circular panel with radial decoration, centred with a cultured pearl accent, the panels verso inscribed 'WUS', 'SIL', 'UDH' and 'NUF', with swivel clasp fittings, two colour precious metal mounted, panel diameter 1.4cm
By repute, these cufflinks were formerly the property of Ian Lancaster Fleming (28 May 1908 - 12 August 1964), the British writer, journalist, naval intelligence officer and author of the James Bond series of fictional spy novels. Fleming's service in the Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War and his experiences as a journalist inspired much of his writing for the character of James Bond, an officer in the Secret Intelligence Service, introduced in the 1952 novel Casino Royale, whose success spawned eleven further novels, two collections of short stories and adaptations for film, television and radio. It is thought that these cufflinks were worn by Fleming to the Dr. No post film screening party in 1962. The groups of letters inscribed to the back of them are believed to represent a code, which is apparently yet to be solved. Thence by family descent.
Sold for £4,400
Estimated at £800 - £1,200
Of Ian Fleming interest: A pair of cultured pearl set cufflinks, each circular panel with radial decoration, centred with a cultured pearl accent, the panels verso inscribed 'WUS', 'SIL', 'UDH' and 'NUF', with swivel clasp fittings, two colour precious metal mounted, panel diameter 1.4cm
By repute, these cufflinks were formerly the property of Ian Lancaster Fleming (28 May 1908 - 12 August 1964), the British writer, journalist, naval intelligence officer and author of the James Bond series of fictional spy novels. Fleming's service in the Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War and his experiences as a journalist inspired much of his writing for the character of James Bond, an officer in the Secret Intelligence Service, introduced in the 1952 novel Casino Royale, whose success spawned eleven further novels, two collections of short stories and adaptations for film, television and radio. It is thought that these cufflinks were worn by Fleming to the Dr. No post film screening party in 1962. The groups of letters inscribed to the back of them are believed to represent a code, which is apparently yet to be solved. Thence by family descent.
Surface wear, nicks/chips and scuffs to the panels and fittings, commensurate for use. One of the fittings has a grey solder repair to the base of the swivel clasp. This swivel clasp has a slightly larger sprung section but both swivel clasps are the same length. It is possible that the swivel clasps were not the original fittings when the cufflinks were manufactured, and that they may have been later replaced for ease of use when worn. Two of the cultured pearls have traces of glue residue at the junctions with the panels, and may be later replaced. All of the cultured pearls have light surface wear, scuffs and nicks. The jump rings attached to the base of the panels appear to have stamped marks, but these marks are heavily worn and illegible. Metal standard is unknown. Gross weight approx. 10.5gm.
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Auction: Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 17th Nov, 2021
