Fleming’s jacket under hammer

Ian Fleming’s naval jacket, which he wore as a serving officer when the character of James Bond was first forming in his mind, is to be auctioned at Bonhams in London.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Nov 2011, 06:00 BST

The double-breasted jacket, which is navy blue with a red lining, has an estimated sale price of between £5,000 and £7,000.

The coat was worn by Fleming during the Dieppe Raid of 1942 when he was in the Naval Intelligence Division.

He gave it as a gift to his friend Ivar Bryce, who he had known from his schooldays at Eton.

He also dedicated Diamonds Are Forever to Bryce and borrowed his middle name, Felix, for Bond’s best friend, CIA agent Felix Leiter.

The coat was passed on to Bryce’s niece, Janet.

Ian Fleming London