Golden opportunity to buy 007 replica gun

A rare replica gun based on one used in a 1970s James Bond film has been discovered in Staffordshire ahead of an auction later this month.

The 'gold' pistol replicated from the firearm used in the hit 1974 film The Man With The Golden Gun was unearthed at a Hansons antiques valuation day in Alrewas, near Lichfield.

The gun, which is expected to reach up to £1,500, belonged to a Tamworth man who acquired it in the mid 1980s.

Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire will be putting the gun under the hammer on Thursday, January 20 at The Mackworth Hotel, near Derby. Charles Hanson, manager of Hansons Auctioneers, who is regularly seen on BBC One's Bargain Hunt, said: "The gun was made by SD Studios in Texas USA in the early 1980s.

"The gun is one of very few since with a solid gold plating, the gun had a limited market amongst the wealthy. We expect the gun will appeal to international buyers. With internet exposure we hope this classic movie invention will appeal to Bond fanatics from Pinewood to Hollywood."

Starring Roger Moore as 007, The Man With The Golden Gun was the ninth spy film in the James Bond series. The film is an adaptation of Ian Fleming's novel of same name.

The gun is used by the film's main villain Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee. It is built up from various components designed to avoid detection including a cufflink, fountain pen, cigarette lighter and case.

For further details about the Hansons auction, visit www.hansonsauctioneer.co.uk