James Bond collector Alan Stephenson has spent decades amassing what is undoubtedly one of the most impressive collections of James Bond memorabilia in the world. Stephenson, a California native who helps stage high profile celebrity charity auctions, is putting his collection on display beginning October 13 at Museum Royale in San Luis Obispo as a benefit for the new San Luis Obispo Children's Museum that is scheduled to open in December. Visitors to the exhibit are encouarged to wear Bond-related attire, though we would advise gentlemen from refraining from donning their razor-brimmed chapeaus.
Among the thousands of collectibles on hand will be an original Golden Gun prop and the ever-elusive French toy SPECTRE volcano playset. Bond toys are a wonderful throwback to the days before political correctness dominated the toy industry. Back in 1965, the hot item was the replica of 007's attache case - complete with hidden (rubber) knife and a exploding tear gas mechanism (actually, harmless caps). Todays, PC police would be appalled and prohibit such a toy from entering the marketplace. Instead, they'd opt to give us all safe, gender neutural toys that were manufactured in China and are coated in lead!
Alan Stephenson's collection promises to be a welcome walk through a time machine of one of most iconic film franchises of all time. For more info and an interview with Alan, click here
VINTAGE BOND TOYS AND NOVELTIES FROM THE CINEMA RETRO ARCHIVE