This week in Edinburgh, two very different heroes are looking to win over collectors and investors in a rare book auction to be held at Lyon & Turnbull.
Amongst the impressive selection of 287 lots there are two in particular which will attract the eyes of collectors, representing two very different heroes of the silver screen.
Firstly, the world's most famous boy wizard is on offer in the form of a first paperback edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone signed by the author, J K Rowling.
The signature is an unusually personal one, as the book was signed for the benefit of a family who Rowling knows personally: "To Rowan/ I hear you are a very good judge of literature, so I want to know what you think of it!/ Lots of love Jo/ (J.K. Rowling!)".
 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, autographed |
In good condition, despite a pen mark above the 'A' of 'Harry' on the cover, the book is expected to sell for £1,500-2,000.
Also included in the sale from the same seller is a first (hardback) edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets likewise signed "To Rowan,/ who is definitely not a Muggle, with lots of love/ from Jo/ (or J.K Rowling/ as I'm sometimes/ known) and a first paperback edition of Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban ("To Rowan/ again!/ J.K. Rowling",).
According to the industry's PFC40 autograph index, Rowling's signature was worth just £395 back in the year 2000. Today, its value is closer to £1,200, so the listings are quite modest.
These are expected to attract bids of £1,000-1,500 and £300-500 respectively. Collectors and investors looking for a signed Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone may wish to know that another is available right now.
But the expected top lot will be that of a very different, somewhat older hero: Her Majesty's own James Bond. To be precise, a complete set of Ian Fleming's novels in their first editions estimated at £18,000-£22,000.
 Ian Fleming's Casino Royal |
If the lot does not receive bids to the satisfaction of the seller, it will automatically be broken up in a set of separate lots, headed by the headline text: a first edition, first issue (pre-Sunday Times Review) with its dustjacket. It will/would be listed at £10,000-15,000.
Lyon & Turnbull's auction takes place this Wednesday September 8 with online bidding available. Collectors interested in James Bond memorabilia may also wish to take a look at the suit which Pierce Brosnan wore in the film Goldeneye, which is currently available, as are autographs by Daniel Craig, Roger Moore and Sean Connery.
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