A Rare 1967 survivor has surfaced! ....Prop Update!

ppw3o6rppw3o6r Great BritainPosts: 2,270MI6 Agent
https://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/50185/a-rare-1967-survivor-has-surfaced/

007-_YOLT_Little_Nellie-_Pics_59.jpg 26805502-1500912973290112-5513750466346009941-n.jpg

Some were afraid that this iconic piece would vanish into an overseas private collection never to be seen again because the owner feared that either EON or The Wallis Family Estate would attempt to repossess the piece if it were listed for auction in a major auction house catalogue? as did the Donkey. The ridiculous thing is the owner told me knowing what it was he had previously offered it to EON for the Archive completely gratis but received no reply. He then listed it on ebay but the piece received no interest from collectors! After being posted on a well known James Bond collectibles website where our very own Ed of TheSpyboys.com had authenticated it with a screen grab of the serial number on the lense, It had been suggested by potential purchasers that the piece could achieve in excess of £20k at auction which put it out of my price range because my secret bid was just £5k which I later doubled to £10k with an assurance that if my revised bid was successful? it wasn't, the piece would go straight into the Bond In Motion Exhibition in London's Covent Garden to be reunited with Wing Commander Ken "Nellie" Wallis's WA-116 G-AVDG (G-ARZB's stand in) autogyro "Little Nellie", named after music hall entertainer Nellie Wallace (Ken's RAF nickname) by RAF Group Captain Hammish Mahaddie who consulted for EON much as Major General Charlie Russo did on Goldfinger & Thunderball.

After a road traffic accident on 6th February 2018 where my 86 year old Father was knocked out of his disabled scooter by a Vauxhall Zafira breaking his back and giving him a cerebral hemorrhage (brain bleed) he passed away on 14th February after suffering a second larger hemorrhage which put him into a coma on 10th February where when the neuro surgeons said he would never regain consciousness I requested his life support be turned off. Because of a weak heart condition they expected him to pass within a matter of minutes however his heart carried on beating at a steady 117 BPM for a further 4 days!. He left me a small inheritance which when released from probate gave me the funds to either put a high mileage Aston Martin DB9 with DBS body panels on my front drive (Donkey sorely tempted!) or pay an undisclosed amount which would secure Sir Sean Thomas Connery's/John Stears' modified Gentex pilot's helmet from You Only Live Twice for Bond In Motion, The Shuttleworth Collection and posterity.

fullsizeoutput-582.jpg fullsizeoutput-586.jpg fullsizeoutput-583.jpg

For one with few brain cells, this truly was a no brainer! When the piece finally arrived in the UK apart from the shocking condition of the shell, the Donkey discovered the rear glass had been replaced for a steel cylindrical backing plate capped with a disc of clear perspex? firmly attached to the inner aperture ring?. Upon inspection it was discovered that to affix the mounting plate all the glass optics had been removed leaving a piece of Perspex in place of the front glass. Only the pressure of the backing plate bolted to the shell and the tight fit of the lens rings against the base of the dummy micro cine camera had held the unit in place for 52 years. Apart from the refinishing/polishing of the shell, the only visible external damage was the heavy corrosion of the aluminium dummy cine camera which polished up leaving barely a trace of the 50 year old corrosive patina after rubbing down with elbow grease and wire wool. The thing which I find truly amazing is back in 1967, John Stears took a very expensive highly sought after Asahi Optics Co ultraviolet Quartz Takumar lens and gutted it removing all the events which made it so expensive, its ultraviolet glass components replacing them with clear acrylic and steel plates! Incidentally all the internal events are still operational including an opening and closing fish eye.
The piece would forever be displayed with a mounted black onyx effect face cast of Sir Sean with a discreet engraved brass plaque which stated Wallis WA-116 Agile/G-ARZB Gentex/Stears HGU-7/P "Courtesy of Albert Reynolds, Oct 1931 - Feb 2018" so even though those viewing the helmet would not know who Albert Reynolds was? they would know the name Albert Reynolds which is a fitting tribute to my late Father who felt that only Sean Connery was James Bond! He didn't like Pierce Bronson! (as he called him). To satisfy all parties, that is the seller, EON Productions Ltd and Donk, when the Donkey finally pops his hooves the helmet will be bequeathed back to The EON Archive or Wallis Family from whence it came? to be displayed with Wing Commander Wallis's WA-116/G-ARZB Agile, the aircraft he flew standing in for Sean Connery back in 1967 at its now permanent home at The Shuttleworth Collection here in the UK on condition it remains in the UK & never be sold and this is cast in stone in the Donkey's will on file with the family solicitors!

It is interesting to note that when Desmond's "Q" hands the helmet to Sean's "Bond" during the pre-flight brief shot on location in Japan he actually hands him the prop which has the micro cine camera wired to the lense with the lense mounted on its protective dust cap which would be worn in the air by Ken "007" Wallis doubling for Sean. All other scenes with Sean and G-AVDG (standing in for G-ARZB) were shot at Pinewood studios where the more finished Gentex/Stears HGU-7/P was utilised.

Nellie.jpg

It is also interesting to note that back in 1967 while the movie was being screened at The Odeon Theatre in Leicester square London, Selfridges Department Store in London had a window display featuring a number of screen used props from the movie including Sean's helmet (camera not wired on) and the SPECTRE Intruder spacecraft miniature. Neither have been seen since!

fullsizeoutput_57e.jpg

My sincere thanks to Ed of thespyboys.com for putting the Donkey & the seller together & for beyond a shadow of doubt authenticating the piece -{

3-D271908-326-D-4-EA4-B439-8-F04-B395680-A.jpg

Back where it belongs although thirteen months behind schedule, exhibited at Bond In Motion next to the Wallis Little Nellie component part flying case which it was last seen inside in the window of Selfridges Department Store in 1967. Perhaps for this iconic restored prop TWICE really IS THE ONLY WAY TO LIVE!
«13

Comments

  • danjaq_0ffdanjaq_0ff The SwampsPosts: 7,283MI6 Agent
    Have you been polishing your helmet Donk, it looks a different colour to the last time I saw it :D :p :v
  • Quentin QuigleyQuentin Quigley Terminal One, Hamburg AirportPosts: 1,150MI6 Agent
    Amazing story, ppw3o6r, and my late condolences to you. Thrilled to see it has finally been secured and displayed in all its glory after all these years. Well done to all involved! -{
    Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
  • UNCLE27UNCLE27 EnglandPosts: 1,114MI6 Agent
    Great story and a fabulous tribute too! {[]
  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    Amazing and emotional story....love it. What an honor you have bestowed on your father as well as the world who will be able to enjoy this tribute.
  • Bond44Bond44 Vauxhall CrossPosts: 1,581MI6 Agent
    I never cease to be amazed at the true dedication found and exposed on this site.

    A truly selfless and lovely gesture for sure, though I would have been mightily tempted by that Aston option :D

    Well done that man may it give all concerned enjoyment and satisfaction for years to come - a fitting legacy in memory of your father as well (my condolences for your loss naturally).

    Cheers :007)
    My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    He a good bloke is that Donk. Never a more selfless person have I met. Can’t wait to see it displayed with Little Nellie.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,774MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm wrote:
    He a good bloke is that Donk. Never a more selfless person have I met. Can’t wait to see it displayed with Little Nellie.

    -{
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    We should arrange a group visit.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,774MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm wrote:
    We should arrange a group visit.

    Excellent idea, count me in -{
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,774MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm wrote:
    We should arrange a group visit.

    Excellent idea, count me in -{

    Then maybe some light refreshments afterwards and we can toast the memory of Albert Reynolds -{
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • ppw3o6rppw3o6r Great BritainPosts: 2,270MI6 Agent
    Asp9mm wrote:
    We should arrange a group visit.

    Excellent idea, count me in -{

    Then maybe some light refreshments afterwards and we can toast the memory of Albert Reynolds -{

    Thank you Gents, perhaps at BIM in Covent Garden -{
    and thank you AJBers for the kind words -{
  • JTMJTM Posts: 3,027MI6 Agent
    Incredible story Donk, thank you for sharing and thank you for the selfless effort you have put in for the Bond fandom—a true gentleman -{
  • thespyboys11thespyboys11 Lindenwold,NJPosts: 1,844MI6 Agent
    Donk, it was a pleasure to go down this road with you and assist in both the authentication, recovery and restoration of the helmet.
    Deepest condolences to your family over the loss of your Father as well as the additional loss of your canine companion, Barney.

    Glad to see the helmet reunited with Little Nellie and put on exhibit for all Bond fans to see. Shame they'll never be aware of the journey and back story behind its recovery but we, here at AJB, will know. --Ed
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,418Chief of Staff
    Not only do you share tremendous knowledge but you also display a generosity that does yourself, and your late father, credit -{
    YNWA 97
  • The Bond VivantThe Bond Vivant SeendPosts: 1,325MI6 Agent
    What an incredible story, and such an amazing way to honour your dear father! Such a generosity of spirit.
  • ggl007ggl007 SpainPosts: 388MI6 Agent
    Great story and great effort. Thank you very much, sir.

    Specially avoiding this: "Some were afraid that this iconic piece would vanish into an overseas private collection never to be seen again" -{ -{ -{
  • ppw3o6rppw3o6r Great BritainPosts: 2,270MI6 Agent
    Update: This is a countdown to the sympathetically restored props reveal at The Bond In Motion Exhibition in London's Covent Garden in the not too distant future.
    The restoration begins. The original shell slowly emerges from beneath decades of layers of paint. Normally no matter how battered, this collector would not advise anyone to attempt to restore an original screen prop however the screen patina on this shell has long gone courtesy of the paint & its ham fisted removal in places. Thankfully the interior which contains bespoke padding to make a comfortable fit to Sir Sean's head is still intact & relatively untouched after 51 years.

    fullsizeoutput_58c.jpg fullsizeoutput_58b.jpg
    The original unpainted shell reveal begins -{
  • Gadget MeisterGadget Meister Bicester, OxonPosts: 1,972MI6 Agent
    Donk, I’ve had really good results on my Gentex with Greygates Plastic Polish. My example quickly returned to it’s original bright white gloss. Obviously this depends on wether you wish it’s original appearence or it’s aged patina. It also removes any annoying scratches very easily. It’s primary purpose was polish Perspex/Plexiglass aircraft canopies.

    http://www.greygate.com/product/plastic-polish/
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    A couple of helmet polishing professionals right here ladies and gentlemen. Please. No pics. It’s a family forum.
    ..................Asp9mmSIG-1-2.jpg...............
  • danjaq_0ffdanjaq_0ff The SwampsPosts: 7,283MI6 Agent
    But I like pics, Id like to see one of Donk wearing the helmet :D
  • minigeffminigeff EnglandPosts: 7,884MI6 Agent
    danjaq_0ff wrote:
    But I like pics, Id like to see one of Donk wearing the helmet :D

    just the helmet? :o
    'Force feeding AJB humour and banter since 2009'
    Vive le droit à la libre expression! Je suis Charlie!
    www.helpforheroes.org.uk
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  • ppw3o6rppw3o6r Great BritainPosts: 2,270MI6 Agent
    Perhaps not as exciting for you guys as a pair of Daniel Craig's branded underpants? but the shell has now had all the layers of post-production paint removed in preparation for polishing and refinishing to original screen finish before all the bespoke components are reinstated & the piece is handed over to EON Productions Ltd for display at the Bond In Motion Exhibition -{

    fullsizeoutput_58f.jpg fullsizeoutput_590.jpg
  • thespyboys11thespyboys11 Lindenwold,NJPosts: 1,844MI6 Agent
    Donk, that's lookin' mighty fine!!! I'd let you polish my helmet anytime!!! --Ed
  • ppw3o6rppw3o6r Great BritainPosts: 2,270MI6 Agent
    edited December 2019
    Well it it has been a three month process but the sympathetic restoration of Sir Sean's helmet is finally complete. Next stop is Bond In Motion in Covent Garden in January 2020. Please pay it a visit. It really does look much better when it is not covered in 5-6 layers of emulsion paint -{

    IMG-0172.jpg IMG-0175.jpg

    My thanks again to Ed of the Spyboys.com for covertly putting the Donkey in touch with the seller -{
  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    I am standing up applauding...fantastic!
  • ACACIA_AVENUEACACIA_AVENUE UKPosts: 1,774MI6 Agent
    I will join David in applauding you, an excellent restoration, well done Donk a fitting tribute to your father -{
    I will definitely visit Bond in Motion.
    One of us smells like a tart's handkerchief.
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,418Chief of Staff
    Superb restoration job -{
    YNWA 97
  • danjaq_0ffdanjaq_0ff The SwampsPosts: 7,283MI6 Agent
    You must have given that a good rub Donk, it looks almost as fresh as the day Sir Sean wore it -{ well done.
  • thespyboys11thespyboys11 Lindenwold,NJPosts: 1,844MI6 Agent
    Looks FANTASTIC!!!! A beautiful restoration. So glad to have been a small part in the discovery and restoration of such an iconic prop from the Connery era of the Bond films. --Ed
  • UNCLE27UNCLE27 EnglandPosts: 1,114MI6 Agent
    Fantastic! Excellent work! {[]
Sign In or Register to comment.