The Guns of James Bond - New Project from Commando Bond & Headstamp Publishing
CommandoBond
Posts: 28MI6 Agent
Hello all!
Long time reader, first time round putting a post together! I wanted to publish a post announcing a project I have been working on as of late with the amazing team at Headstamp Publishing, the folks behind the Vickers Guide series among other firearms industry leading reference books and coffee table publications, regarding the guns of James Bond, spanning his entire history - all novels Fleming or otherwise, and every screen treatment of the character.
This volume will celebrate not only the tools, but their real world history, utilization, and impact. In addition, the publication will feature interviews with operators from the CIA, DSS, SAS, and more as we analyze and celebrate the real heroes who have used these tools, and often, whose use of them impacted the world of Bond, or in other cases, the reverse.
Primary source documents gathered from manufacturers will be shared here as well, as well as in-depth, detailed photography of the firearms - roll marks, sight pictures, grips, finishes, and so much more, in addition to a variety of editorial, lifestyle imagery built to bring 007's world to life.
A full synopsis and discussion of the volume can be found here in our announcement post: http://commandobond.com/the-guns-of-james-bond/
A teaser article of a vignette from the book surrounding the Omega watches of Bond & sharing some of our photography work can be found here: https://www.watchesofespionage.com/blogs/woe-dispatch/bond-a-case-for-omega
In addition, I am writing with the hopes of connecting with and learning from those of you who have worked as archivists and researchers in this vein over the years! With EON's unwillingness to provide licensing to any stills etc, any and all help and assets would be greatly appreciated! Thus far we have traveled to two of the most exclusive firearms collections in the United States to capture some of these firearms, with more on the way!
Thank you all for your consideration on this, and I look forward to providing additional updates as this progresses!
Best,
Caleb
(@commandobond)
Comments
Some examples of the profile and lifestyle photography!
My highly customised CS9. Better than the A.S.P.
Sounds like a fun and interesting project; I have no doubt everyone's anxious to see the final product. The layouts alone look really nice.
You'll have to forgive the perception by some that the guide has the potential to simply be more influencer marketing given the nature of the business of "created digital content." It's been my experience that influencers aren't nearly as interested in the input from real-world "good guy" gear users unless those users also have an online presence that can reciprocate the exposure.
I appreciate your excitement here, it's been something I've been so keen on putting together for a number of years, and finally have the capacity to tackle.
I entirely respect and understand the concerns respecting the "influencer" culture that fails frequently in understanding that digital content is simply a means of contact and communication, a place for experiences to be shared, but not the end all be all of things.
People matter, as do their stories, and regardless of "clout" that may be present online. Most often it is those who rarely share that have the most important things to tell, so I do hope that this volume accomplishes its goals of sharing these stories. It's the celebration of them and their tools that most excites me about this endeavor. The bulk of the firearms we have captured thus far have come from some incredible private collections, and from people who expressly have requested to remain unnamed. This did not prevent us from working with them, far from it. So I hope the carried notion does not find its way here.
For those skeptical or with questions, I am happy to discuss this project at further length. Cheers - Caleb!
007’s Shoulder Holster.
—
The Berns-Martin Triple-Draw Shoulder Holster, as issued to James Bond in the novel Doctor No in 1958.
Fleming made a number of errors throughout his novels in respect to firearms, but his pairing of a Berns-Martin holster & a Walther PPK was one that drew a good amount of ire from his firearm-fluent fan base, as the holster is specifically made for revolvers, making the pairing impossible.
The holster was recommended to Fleming by Geoffrey Boothroyd during their correspondence that led to the evolution of Bond’s weaponry, but to be paired with a Smith & Wesson Centennial Airweight (shown here in the holster), Boothroyd’s preferred replacement sidearm.
Fleming instead selected the PPK, in part thanks to a 1952 article written on the small automatics of WWII sent to him by Boothroyd, and paired it with the prescribed holster. The Smith & Wesson does make an appearance in Doctor No, as Bond’s heavier duty pistol, and is utilized at the end of the novel, never to be seen again.
In any case, I am thankful to have both pieces captured to celebrate in the upcoming book on the Guns of James Bond with Headstamp Publishing. My thanks to https://vintagegunleathertoday.com/ for loaning 3 beautiful examples of this holster, in addition to a number of other Bond rigs for us to capture.
The split front holster is a fascinating design which, especially paired with the inverted way it carries the handgun, produces a very unique drawstroke for the user. More to come on this one in the upcoming book! Incredibly excited to share it with you all!
The Guttersnipe Sight.
One of the most unique sighting systems devised, and one that gets a great amount of love and description in the Gardner novels, particularly in its debut in "Role of Honor."
One of the things I am most thrilled about with this project are the editorial, lifestyle assets we have put together to help bring Bond's aesthetics to life on the page. With EON/DANJAQ's lack of enthusiasm about any firearm related project, photography like this will invoke the moments that make Bond and his tools shine, and in the case of the literary Bond, provide unique assets that provide a glimpse into the world imagined by Fleming and other authors.
This is a BTS shot from one of the most recent photoshoots at a private collection with myself and the team at Headstamp Publishing! Sincerely excited to continue sharing as we progress further!
Again - I am writing with the hopes of connecting with and learning from those of you who have worked as archivists and researchers in this vein over the years! With EON's unwillingness to provide licensing to any stills etc, any and all help and assets would be greatly appreciated! Thus far we have traveled to two of the most exclusive firearms collections in the United States to capture some of these firearms, with more on the way!
Thank you all for your consideration on this, and I look forward to providing additional updates as this progresses!
Best,
Caleb
(@commandobond)
I recently had the privilege to travel out to Arnsberg & Ulm to visit Umarex and Carl Walther GmbH. In my days there, I spent a great deal of time with Mr. Pflaumer, the owner of the firm and a passionate Bond fan himself. Famously, he purchased this Walther WA2000 at auction, the screen used BAPTY Archive weapon from "The Living Daylights." It was the privilege of a lifetime to learn at his side the history of the last 25 years of Walther, as Pflaumer purchased the firm in 1993. His purchase of the company led to the design of the P99, and Pflaumer hand delivered the pistol famously to the set of "Tomorrow Never Dies."
So many brilliant firearms were captured from his collection and the Walther archive for the book!
Wow, so envious of the WA2000, I have to make do with the 1:6 scale toy! Great photos there.
@CommandoBond Did you say you were on the Walther forum? What is the verdict over there on Paloma's Walther? PPK or PPK/S? Always thought it was a PPK/S frame with PPK slide, but I am saying this as an enthusiast, not an expert. Definitely PPK/S grips though, right?
You can’t put PPK/S (PP) grips on a PPK frame. A PPK/S uses a PP frame with PPK slide.
Paloma uses the S&W PPK with contrasting stainless slide.
@Asp9mm Mate, can we get an example image of Paloma's gun? I am aware the PP / PPK/S has longer grips than the PPK. Paloma's gun features PP / PPK/S *style* grips where the knurling extends up to the top edge and the screw surrounding connects to the back edge border. That's mainly what's bugging me, but to me, the grip looks a bit longer too. I'm not aware if PPK grips do come in this PP / PPK/S design. Are we looking at custom grips made specially for that movie?
LICENSED TROUBLESHOOTER - The Guns of James Bond - Cover Reveal.
Sign up for the newsletter to stay informed as we continue to get closer to our launch! So very excited to see this all come together.
https://www.headstamppublishing.com/licensed-troubleshooter
Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond is a celebration of the most fascinating small arms wielded by one of the world’s most acclaimed action heroes, 007. This in-depth analysis spans the entire collection of Bond films and the novels that inspired them, including those authored by Ian Fleming and also those of the continuation authors. This visual history thoroughly examines the design and implementation of Bond’s tools, and of course, their impact on 007.
Beyond simply paying tribute to the fictional hero of James Bond, Licensed Troubleshooter shines a spotlight on the real-world operators employing the same firearms, featuring interviews with current and former military and intelligence personnel from agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States, including the CIA, MACV-SOG, U.S. Navy SEALs, DSS, and more. These interviews, combined with substantive historical research, provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the often incredible history of these firearms, including their use in combat and clandestine services. Be prepared to see Bond’s guns in a way you’ve never seen them before.
Bond’s replacement Beretta and Colt, given to him with a letter from M at the conclusion of Ian Fleming's 1955 novel “Moonraker”.
Notable firearms featured in this book include:
Though this book provides significant written analysis and commentary, it is also presented in part as a pictorial study in order to best highlight the varied and unique details of the noteworthy firearms used by Bond. The masterful photography of James Rupley jumps off the page, often exhibiting these small arms at larger-than-life scale. Intended for both the firearms collector and Bond aficionado, Licensed Troubleshooter serves as the first book to celebrate the small arms of both the literary and cinematic Bond in this comprehensive manner.
I am definitely looking forward to this book and already admire the beautiful guns.
As to the Berns Martin Holster- I thought there was a PPK Berns Martin Holster produced. Not the Triple Draw though. Anybody seen a picture of that one?
Yes, you could buy a BM for the PPK. But as you say, not the triple draw.
As for the picture above with the Beretta 418 and a Colt 1911. Fleming never said Bond used a 1911 in Moonraker. In fact he clearly states it was a long barrelled Colt Army Special. Which is a revolver. I hope the rest of the book is better researched and not just a collection of pretty pictures.
Colt Army Special..
Colt Army Special with a long barrel…
I appreciate your input, and the army special is included, though it was never chambered for .45, (closest round in number would be the .41) which adds to the mystery and vagueness, just as Fleming never specifically mentions the correct model or nomenclature for the Beretta in use by Bond.
A significant portion of the early Fleming section of the book is dedicated to the in depth discussion of what he could have meant by his vague terms, including an exploration of a number of models that could fit the description, citing examples and language spanning the entire Fleming canon.
As you may have gleaned from my example photography, I make the case for the 1911, and I do believe my research backs up such a claim, and the evidence can be found within the manuscript.
Research and in depth analysis are two things I greatly pride myself upon, so if that’s your cup of tea, I do believe LICENSED TROUBLESHOOTER will be an interesting read. You may not agree with all conclusions drawn, but each will be well backed by the research, and the case will be made. Cheers!
Hello all!
The launch of LICENSED TROUBLESHOOTER is coming soon, and is available as a teaser on Kickstarter here - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headstamp/licensed-troubleshooter
If you’re interested in the project be sure to sign up for notifications, cheers!
PRESALE OF LICENSED TROUBLESHOOTER, THE GUNS OF JAMES BOND IS NOW LIVE!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headstamp/licensed-troubleshooter?ref=82tt10
The pre-sale includes two limited edition covers in addition to the standard retail addition, plus a number of other "optional extras."
The Description:
Book Specs
Book Summary
Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond is a celebration of the most fascinating small arms wielded by one of the world’s most acclaimed action heroes, 007. This in-depth analysis spans the entire collection of Bond films and the novels that inspired them, including those authored by Ian Fleming and also those of the continuation authors. This visual history thoroughly examines the design and implementation of Bond’s tools, and of course, their impact on 007.
James Bond’s sniper rifle – the Walther WA2000. Only 176 units of this bullpup sniper rifle were ever produced due in part to the cost and complexity of the design, but the rifle still managed to be featured in The Living Daylights. We are privileged to share the actual screen used rifle in this volume, courtesy of Carl Walther GmbH and Wulf-Heinz Pflaumer.
Beyond simply paying tribute to the fictional hero of James Bond, Licensed Troubleshooter shines a spotlight on the real-world operators employing the same firearms, featuring interviews with current and former military and intelligence personnel from agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States, including the CIA, MACV-SOG, U.S. Navy SEALs, DSS, and more. These interviews, combined with substantive historical research, provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the often incredible history of these firearms, including their use in combat and clandestine services. Be prepared to see Bond’s guns in a way you’ve never seen them before.
During the attack on SPECTRE’s volcano lair in You Only Live Twice, Tiger Tanaka’s ninja forces were armed with an assortment of MBA Gyrojet weapons, including the Mark I carbine. While James Bond himself never wields these unique small arms, they are undoubtedly an iconic entry into the 007 canon.
Notable firearms featured in this book include:
Not all the firearms featured in the world of Bond are real, but that does not mean they are any less deserving of celebration. Francisco Scaramanga’s Golden Gun, assembled from his lighter, pen, cigarette case, and cufflink, is a definitive weapon of the franchise. It is shown here with screen accurate props used by Mary Goodnight along with the Solex device, an item that in the hands of Bond could solve the energy crisis, and in the hands of Scaramanga, fuels a solar powered weapon, truly making him the man with the "golden gun".
Licensed Troubleshooter also offers a number of vignettes detailing other non-ballistic items fundamental to the character of Bond, such as:
Though this book provides significant written analysis and commentary, it is also presented in part as a pictorial study in order to best highlight the varied and unique details of the noteworthy firearms used by Bond. The masterful photography of James Rupley jumps off the page, often exhibiting these small arms at larger-than-life scale. Equally appealing to both firearms collectors and Bond aficionados, Licensed Troubleshooter serves as the first book to celebrate the small arms of the literary and cinematic Bond in this comprehensive manner.
As the suited hero, Bond has preferred shoulder holsters throughout the literary and cinematic canon beginning with the debut novel Casino Royale in 1953. A variety of holsters are used in both mediums, such as the fictional blue holster (left) worn by Sean Connery and the Bianchi X15 used by 007 in the Raymond Benson novels (right).
___________
This publication is not affiliated with Ian Fleming Publications, Ltd., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (“MGM”), Danjaq, LLC (“Danjaq”), the United Artists Corporation, or any other stakeholder in the intellectual property associated with James Bond. Headstamp Publishing LLC and the author of this book make no claim of ownership of any intellectual property owned by these stakeholders, and use of any such intellectual property in this book is merely for descriptive purposes. We are fans of all elements of the James Bond universe, and as such we encourage our readers to visit the various entities listed above directly and support them as they release Bond products.
Caleb Daniels is a writer, photographer, reader, shooter, and a lifelong fan of the world of James Bond. For eight years, throughout high school and college, he worked in the firearms industry, and quickly grew to love that world.
In 2020, Caleb founded “Commando Bond”, a website and social media presence dedicated to the celebration of the lifestyle of James Bond. This passion project began as an outlet to bridge the gap between the world of pop culture and firearms, to help normalize the daily carry, use, and enjoyment of firearms through the lens of cinematic and literary heroes. Rather than focusing exclusively on the small arms of characters like 007, James Reece, and Thomas Magnum, the photography and writing of “Commando Bond” showcases every aspect of the character, including their wardrobe and overall lifestyle. Detailed analysis of both the small arms and sartorial aspects of the character, through daily use and wear, can be found on the website and social media channels.
Caleb is also a subject matter expert on Walther firearms, and has regularly been engaged by Walther Arms for professional photography and editorial work. Most recently, his photography and writing was commissioned to relaunch the Walther PPK, chambered once again for .32 ACP. His photography and commentary published in a variety of publications, and by a number of firearms companies. Most notably, aside from Walther Arms, his work can often be found in use by Jack Carr, Alchemy 1911, Triple Aught Design, Watches of Espionage, and others. Licensed Troubleshooter is Caleb’s first published work in print.
In 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, fans were introduced to “the new Walther” by Brosnan’s Bond in the third act. This gun, dubbed by Walther’s owner as a “modern Walther for the modern Bond” was a revolutionary design that deviated dramatically from anything previously offered by the firm. Shown here is an early Generation 1 variant of the pistol.
We are pleased to offer Licensed Troubleshooter in three beautiful cover designs for this Kickstarter campaign – each serving as a unique homage to the world of James Bond.
Each of these three book versions contains the same interior content, but they are available in three different editions:
Retail Edition
Retail Edition with Blue Cover and Traditional Headstamp-style Silhouettes
Our Retail Edition cover follows Headstamp Publishing’s established design cues, and is intended to fit into a library shelf with other Headstamp editions. This classicly clean and sophisticated design showcases the Bond family crest and a selection of some of the most iconic firearms in gold foil silhouette.
Kickstarter Edition #1, Literary Tribute
Kickstarter Edition #1, Literary Tribute
Our Literary Tribute cover is inspired by the birthplace of James Bond – Ian Fleming's Jamaica. Every Bond novel was famously written at the personal home of Ian Fleming, his oasis, "Goldeneye." This house, the birthplace of 007, overlooks the beach shown here, just as the house does in reality. The breathtaking landscape of Jamaica and the Caribbean inspired so many of the literary Bond adventures, a brilliant world to celebrate with this limited edition cover.
This cover also takes inspiration from Fleming's first editions, which favored a weapon paired with a flower. On this cover, we have selected a native Jamaican hibiscus, wrapped around a machete, a blade Fleming was once photographed tossing into the sand at Goldeneye. Other noteworthy design elements include Bond's Walther PPK, paired with Fleming's infamous Berns-Martin shoulder holster.
Kickstarter Edition #2, Cinematic Tribute
Kickstarter Edition #2, Cinematic Tribute
Our Cinematic Tribute cover is inspired by the moody desolation of Bond’s family estate in the film Skyfall, portraying a lone man silhouetted against a foreboding backdrop and armed only with his wits and a family heirloom hunting rifle – the Anderson Wheeler .500 Nitro Express Double Rifle, which is depicted on this cover in gold foil to create an eye-catching focal point against the bleak backdrop of this presentation.
Collector's Edition Clamshell Presentation Cases
For the first time ever, we have created a unique design for each of the three Collector's Edition Clamshell Presentation Cases! Each is an original work of art meant to complement the individual design of the cover of the book inside. Can't decide which of the three to choose? We offer a 00 Agent Pledge Level with all 3 bundles together!
Clamshell Design: Retail Edition
Collector's Edition Clamshell Case: Retail Edition, Exterior
Collector's Edition Clamshell Case: Retail Edition, Interior
Clamshell Design: Kickstarter Edition #1, Literary Tribute
Collector's Edition Clamshell Case: Kickstarter Edition #1, Literary Tribute, Exterior
Collector's Edition Clamshell Case: Kickstarter Edition #1, Literary Tribute, Interior
Clamshell Design: Kickstarter Edition #2, Cinematic Tribute
Collector's Edition Clamshell Case: Kickstarter Edition #2, Cinematic Tribute, Exterior
Collector's Edition Clamshell Case: Kickstarter Edition #2, Cinematic Tribute, Interior
All books ordered during the Kickstarter will be First Editions, and will be marked as such.
Backers at all levels will be given access to Kickstarter updates which include exclusive behind-the-scenes content from our team, and we hope to offer additional content directly from the author, Caleb Daniels.
Guide to Book Features
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headstamp/licensed-troubleshooter?ref=82tt10
Forgotten weapons:
Hello, I’m from France I would like to pre order the book, the literary cover. For this one I have to pay lot of shipping cost or it is the one send from France?
That's a lot of different covers
Hello! Unfortunately the publisher only has the one option in the special EU discounted format.
All part of the presale fun! Headstamp traditionally does at least one special edition for the presale, but we thought two special variants made so much sense on this one!
Really looking forward to reading the section on the Walther WA 2000 rifle. Along with the PPK, Gyro Jet, FN P90 and the H&K UMP its been one of my favorite firearms featured in the film series.
NEW Video from myself and Ian at Forgotten Weapons on the Guns of Dr. No!
https://youtu.be/JPMuHJxAs94?si=8bu6p43qXZ7M1dHL
The WA2000 is positively one of the coolest guns in the franchise, and one that gets a lot of love in the book!
NEW STRETCH GOAL! THE GUNS OF GOLDENEYE 007, N64 icon.
We’ve officially surpassed the 400K mark, and have begun the climb to 500K, at which point we unlock a new section of the book celebrating the guns of GoldenEye 007!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/headstamp/licensed-troubleshooter?ref=1oee53