An iconic pistol held by Sean Connery in the first James Bond film is expected to fetch up to £80,000 at auction.

The weapon appeared in an early scene of Dr No in 1962, with spymaster M scolding 007 for carrying a Beretta handgun.

Bond is then given the Walther PPK pistol instead.

Image: The Walther pistol was actually owned by Bernard Lee who played M

The weapon itself had belonged to the English actor Bernard Lee, who played M in the first 11 Bond films.

The gun that was supposed to appear in the scene was not available on the day of filming, so Lee brought his own "live and unregistered" pistol into the studio to be used instead.

Walther PPKs were 007's choice of firearm in several of the movies and novels.

The gun was given to the vendor by Bernard Lee
Image: The gun was given to the vendor by Bernard Lee

Lee's was the first one to appear in the franchise, and will go up for sale at the Humbert and Ellis auction house in Whittlebury, Northamptonshire, on Thursday 6 December.

It will be sold along with a letter that appears to have been sent to the vendor's mother in 1974.

It reads: "Dear Jane, I know you will not accept anything in return for all your help and the kindness that you and John have shown to me throughout these trying times but my conscience will not let it go unrewarded.

Bernard Lee (far left)  played spymaster M in the first 11 Bond movies
Image: Bernard Lee (far left) played spymaster M in the first 11 Bond movies

"Enclosed is a small token of my gratitude that I would like your boy to have as and when you see fit.

"This Walther pistol numbered 149894 is a small piece of 007 history."

Lee adds that the weapon was fully functional when it was used during filming but he had since removed the firing pin.

It is known among 007 lovers that a Walther PP, not a PPK, was used in other scenes in the film.

Humbert and Ellis states on its website that this is likely to be because Lee's PPK was inappropriate for filming on location, and the production company's PP was the only substitute available.

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The Walther PPK is being sold in a presentation case that also features a Dr No poster and photographs of Connery holding the weapon.

The opening price is £30,000 and the auctioneer estimates it will fetch between £50,000 and £80,000.

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