As noted yesterday (see James Bond “Golden Gun” Reported Stolen from Elstree Studios), the “golden gun” from the 1974 James Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun was reported stolen from Elstree Props, a tenant within Elstree Studios. I have assembled some additional information, research, reports, and a list of questions that pertain to the prop and reported theft, as picked up by many news agencies worldwide.
As a preface, to distinguish between “Elstree Studios” and “Elstree Props”, two different companies…
Elstree Studios is an historic film and television production studio. Per their website:
Established in 1926, Elstree Studios is an independent British film studio, the third largest remaining purpose built facility in the UK. Providing over 60,000 sq ft of stage space plus office and workspace to the film, television and creative industries, Elstree comprises approximately 15 acres within Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Elstree Props, a company entirely independent from Elstree Studios, is a replica and original prop dealer that leases space within the Elstree Studios facilities. Per their website:
Movie props are our speciality and have been since the Seventies. We are based in Elstree Film Studios and have a huge collection of vintage film props, sci-fi movie props, and full size characters from all the classics!
I have published several articles with analysis and questions about the authenticity of some of the items that Elstree Props has offered for sale over the years, which can be found here:
As reported last November (see Elstree Props Retiring, Offering Business For Sale and …Update), Elstree Props listed their business for sale on eBay, under their e11e user account, with a starting bid of GBP 70,000 (approximately $143,000 at the time) and a “Buy It Now” of GBP 100,000 (approximately $206,000).
I have had independent reports from many collectors and one prominent dealer throughout the year that the business was sold, but I have found no formal announcement on the e11e eBay account “ME” page or auction listings nor the Elstree Props company website.
Getting back to the reported theft, and following up on the BBC report referenced in yesterday’s article, per The Telegraph (LINK):
The gun was being cared for by Elstree Props, a tenant based at the studios.
Its website states that it offers storage of film props, as well as a service to “police the internet, dealer network and auction sites to counter theft and piracy”.
Stephen Wickenden, its managing director, said: “I’m hoping the gun will be offered to one of the memorabilia dealers and from them we can trace it back to the thief.
“We have no idea who stole it or when it was stolen but things do not usually go missing.”
EON Productions, The Science Museum Exhibit
As I understand it, at least one original “golden gun” is owned by the James Bond production company, EON Productions (a subsidiary of Danjaq LLC).
This original “golden gun” was displayed publicly at the Science Museum in the UK in 2002. There is still a press release regarding this exhibition at the Science Museum website – LINK:
The Science Museum Celebrates 40 Years of James Bond 1962 – 2002
30/09/2002
WHEN: Photocall Notice – 10.30am‚ 4 October 2002
WHAT: A selection of infamous items from all the 20 Bond films will be arriving at the Science Museum for the Bond‚ James Bond exhibition‚ which opens October 16 2002. Items being unpacked ready for installation into the exhibition will include‚ the golden gun from The Man With The Golden Gun and Oddjob’s bowler hat from Goldfinger.
WHERE: South Entrance‚ The Science Museum‚ Exhibition Road‚ London SW7
ABOUT THE EXHIBITIONFrom 16 October 2002‚ the Science Museum invites you to get shaken and stirred by Bond‚ James Bond‚ currently the world’s only official James Bond exhibition. In celebration of 40 years of James Bond on the big screen‚ the exhibition has been created in unique partnership with EON Productions and curated by our sister museum‚ the National Museum of Photography‚ Film & Television‚ Bradford.
Bond‚ James Bond explores the science and art of the Bond films through the greatest collection of original 007 objects‚ images‚ concept drawings‚ storyboards and costume designs ever assembled. From Rosa Klebb’s infamous flick-knife shoe through to plans for spectacular stunts and Oddjob’s killer bowler hat‚ this thrilling interactive exhibition gives visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of the creative talents and technical wizards behind the world’s biggest and best-loved film phenomenon.
In the Bond‚ James Bond exhibition visitors actually step inside the movies‚ as a series of spectacular themed areas let you live life as the world’s most famous secret agent. A mission briefing in M’s office is followed by a visit to Q’s gadget workshop‚ where visitors come face to face with the tantalising technology of the spy trade. While training in the dark arts of espionage‚ visitors learn information from video displays and state-of-the-art computer interactives. Before they can claim secret agent status however‚ Bond wanabees must first undertake a death-defying stunt on the Golden Gate Bridge and explore Scaramanga’s Funhouse in the villain’s lair.
The exhibition shows how an extraordinary blend of science‚ art and action. Throughout the exhibition‚ Bond film footage plays alongside memorable theme tunes. Created for your eyes only‚ Bond‚ James Bond is a live or let die experience for anyone who has ever hummed a certain theme tune and wished‚ just for a moment‚ to be that secret agent…
Per a review on UniversalExports.net, the exhibit ran from October 2002 to April 2003.
An article from the BBC at the time – For Your Eyes Only – reported:
When the first Bond film, Dr No, was put together 40 years ago, little did its makers realise that there would later be a market for 007 film memorabilia.
Once the film was over, they got rid of the props without a second thought for the generations of Bond fanatics that would follow over the years.
So it came to pass that an (empty) bottle of Dom Perignon ‘55 from a dinner scene is one of the sole survivors from the set of Dr No.
But later, lessons were learned and producers Eon Productions started putting props aside at a secret location.
Below are photos from Flikr of the “golden gun” that was on display at the Science Museum (LINK); photos by Craig Grobler:
A Replica “Golden Gun” Commissioned By Elstree Props?
I have corresponded with a prop collector I have known for many years, and he made the following statement to me this morning (excerpt):
[A] good friend of mine who is a professional metal worker made replica Luke Skywalker lightsabers for Elstree Props, also made them a high quality replica golden gun approx 2 years ago. He confirmed to me that his golden gun was the one pictured on Elstreeprops website being held by Roger Moore.
The collector went on to say that his friend “spent many months researching and producing a replica golden gun”, and the collector making these claims stated that he himself was present at a large memorabilia show in the UK two years ago and witnessed the delivery of this replica “golden gun” to Elstree Props at their exhibit booth.
“Golden Gun” Photos from ElstreeProps.com
Below are the photos from the Elstree Props website that this collector has referenced, the first being the photo with Roger Moore (LINK). The oldest archive on record at Archive.org for this page on the Elstree Props website is October 21, 2007 (LINK). As a benchmark, the oldest archive on record at Archive.org for their “wembley 2004” page (LINK) on the Elstree Props website is September 15, 2004 (LINK).
Comparison: EON Productions “Golden Gun”, Elstree Props “Golden Gun”
Below is a comparison between the EON Productions “golden gun” that was on display at the Science Museum [RIGHT] and the “golden gun” pictured on the Elstree Props website [LEFT]:
Imperial War Museum Exhibition
There is currently a “golden gun” on display at the Imperial War Museum, but I am uncertain as to whether it is original or a replica.
Outstanding Questions
1. How many “golden guns” were produced for the film? How many are identified as having survived production?
2. Does EON Productions indeed own the “golden gun” that was on display at the Science Museum?
3. Does EON Productions own just the one example or multiple copies?
4. Are there any confirmed authentic and complete “golden guns” in private hands (outside of EON)?
5. Is the “golden gun” that has been reported stolen owned by Elstree Studios or Elstree Props?
6. If owned by Elstree Studios, why was it in the custody of Elstree Props?
7. Was the Elstree Props business sold in the past 12 months? If sold, who is the owner? Has this been announced formally? If sold, do the former owners have any remaining interest in the business?
8. If the “golden gun” was owned by Elstree Props, was it part of the sale of the business (if there was such a sale)?
9. Can Elstree Props confirm or refute the statements by the collector with regards to the commission and delivery of a replica “golden gun”? If accurate, where is the replica today? Additionally, if accurate, if Elstree Props owned or had access to an original, why was the artisan not provided with direct reference material to produce the replica?
10. Is the “golden gun” pictured in the Elstree Props photos (taken with Roger Moore and others) the replica “golden gun” (if there is one), or the original “golden gun” reported stolen, or a different “golden gun”?
11. What is the provenance and history of the “golden gun” reported stolen?
12. Are there any photos of the “golden gun” that has been reported stolen?
If anyone has any information, feel free to publish a “Reader Comment” below or contact me.
Jason De Bord