Sean Connery's pistol from first ever James Bond movie sells at auction for $256K after his death from pneumonia and respiratory failure aged 90

The pistol used by the late Sir Sean Connery in the first ever James Bond movie - the 1962 classic Dr. No – has sold at auction for $256,000 (£190,000).

The legendary actor, who starred in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983, was seen wielding the weapon as he made his debut as the suave 007.

And weeks after his October 31st death at the age of 90, Julien's Auctions put the iconic prop under the hammer as part of its Icons & Idols: Trilogy sale this week.

Historic prop: The pistol used by the late Sir Sean Connery in the first ever James Bond movie - the 1962 classic Dr. No – has sold at auction for $256,000 (£190,000)

Historic prop: The pistol used by the late Sir Sean Connery in the first ever James Bond movie - the 1962 classic Dr. No – has sold at auction for $256,000 (£190,000)

The semi-automatic Walther PP gun, which was identified in the movie as a PPK, was put forward for auction by previous owner, film producer and prop collector Dan Lanigan, two weeks prior to Connery's death. 

He told Variety of the pistol, which he acquired from original prop armoury supplier Bapty in the UK: 'I picked this amazing piece 15 years ago when I was relatively early in my collecting.' 

He said of his motivation to now sell the gun, which is no longer an active firearm: 'My collecting has changed and so have my interests [over the years]. It needs to find another home and be with someone who gives it the love it deserves.'

Lanigan added of the timing of the auction: 'I don’t want to profit off his death and I got nervous about it, but the auction house said this stuff happens all the time. I felt weird about it and considered pulling it at one point.' 

Gun: The semi-automatic Walther PP gun was put forward for auction by previous owner, film producer and prop collector Dan Lanigan, two weeks prior to Connery's death

Gun: The semi-automatic Walther PP gun was put forward for auction by previous owner, film producer and prop collector Dan Lanigan, two weeks prior to Connery's death

Worldwide superstar: Connery, who shot the movie in Jamaica and the UK, became a superstar after starring as suave super spy 007 in the classic movie

Worldwide superstar: Connery, who shot the movie in Jamaica and the UK, became a superstar after starring as suave super spy 007 in the classic movie 

Also included in the sale were one of the fighter pilot helmets used by Tom Cruise in the 1980 classic Top Gun, which was snapped up for $108,000 (£80,000), and a hoverboard from 1989's Back To The Future Part II for $10,625 (£7,900).

A sword wielded by Bruce Willis in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 cult classic Pulp Fiction was sold for $35,200 (£26,000), while the 158-page script from 1972 classic film The Godfather marked 'third draft' fetched $10,240 (£7,608).

The two-day auction, which concludes on Friday, was broken up into three parts, with items from some of the world's biggest musicians going under the hammer, while props from several classic films were the focus the following day.

Former US President Barack Obama and family will be the third and final part of the trilogy sale, with several historic items being made available to the highest bidder.

A poignant last photo of James Bond legend Sean Connery, who died in his sleep at the age of 90 last month, showed him posing with his son Jason on his 89th birthday. Pictured left: Jason's partner Fiona Up

Touching: A poignant last photo of Connery, who died at the age of 90 in October, showed him posing with his son Jason on his 89th birthday. Pictured left: Jason's partner Fiona Upton

Sale of the Dr. No pistol comes after it was revealed Connery was suffering from 'respiratory failure' when he died in his sleep at the age of 90, his death certificate.

Connery's respiratory failure was brought about by pneumonia, old age and atrial fibrillation - a heart condition causing an irregular and fast heart rate.

Atrial fibrillation can, in turn, heighten the sufferer's risks of heart failure and strokes.

He passed away in the Bahamas at the age of 90 and his death certificate- obtained by TMZ - states he is married and lists his occupation as 'retired actor'.

The James Bond legend leaves behind his wife Micheline, Jason and his other son Stefan. 

Home: Sir Sean Connery's widow Micheline (pictured together) has said that even though the Bond star had lived overseas for many years, his 'final wish' was to return home

Home: Sir Sean Connery's widow Micheline (pictured together) has said that even though the Bond star had lived overseas for many years, his 'final wish' was to return home

At the time of his death, Jason told the BBC: 'We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time.

'A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.'

Connery, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for being the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971.  

News of Connery's official cause of death comes after his widow revealed how Bond star Connery would 'return home'. 

On the auction block: Also included in the sale were one of the fighter pilot helmets used by Tom Cruise in the 1980 classic Top Gun, which was snapped up for $108,000 (£80,000)

On the auction block: Also included in the sale were one of the fighter pilot helmets used by Tom Cruise in the 1980 classic Top Gun, which was snapped up for $108,000 (£80,000)

Speaking from the couple's luxury home at Lyford Cay this month, Micheline said: 'We are going to bring Sean back to Scotland - that was his final wish. He wanted his ashes to be scattered in the Bahamas and also in his homeland.' 

The 91-year-old Moroccan-French painter, who was married to the actor for nearly half a century, intends to carry out his wishes at the earliest opportunity.

She said: 'Whenever it is possible and safe to travel again, then it is the family's intention to return to Scotland with him.

'We would like to organise a memorial service for him in Scotland - that is our hope. But we cannot say when this will happen exactly.

Cult classic: A sword wielded by Bruce Willis in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 cult classic Pulp Fiction was sold for $35,200 (£26,000). Pictured with Ving Rhames

Cult classic: A sword wielded by Bruce Willis in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 cult classic Pulp Fiction was sold for $35,200 (£26,000). Pictured with Ving Rhames

 

'Sean will be cremated at a private service in the Bahamas and his ashes will be kept until we can travel. We do not know when this will be possible.' 

She paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, saying: 'He was gorgeous and we had a wonderful life together. He was a model of a man.' 

She revealed how, latterly, he had been ravaged by dementia, saying: 'He was not able to express himself. It was not a life.

'I was with him all the time and he died very peacefully in his sleep. He just slipped away and we were there with him all the way.'

Raking in the dough: A hoverboard from 1989's Back To The Future Part II sold at the auction for $10,625 (£7,900). Pictured: Michael J Fox

Raking in the dough: A hoverboard from 1989's Back To The Future Part II sold at the auction for $10,625 (£7,900). Pictured: Michael J Fox

 A memorial thanksgiving service in Edinburgh would allow Sir Sean's brother Neil, who lives in the city, to pay his respects to his only sibling.

The 82-year-old has recently suffered poor health.

It has not been confirmed where in Scotland Connery's ashes will be scattered. One option would be in the capital, where he grew up and took his first job as a milkman.

His childhood home was demolished decades ago, but Sir Sean retained a lifelong affection for the Fountainbridge area of the city.  

Third draft: The 58-page script from 1972 classic film The Godfather marked 'third draft' fetched $10,240 (£7,608). Pictured: Marlon Brando

Third draft: The 58-page script from 1972 classic film The Godfather marked 'third draft' fetched $10,240 (£7,608). Pictured: Marlon Brando

Other possibilities include the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where he received his treasured knighthood from the Queen in July 2000 while dressed resplendently in dark green MacLeod tartan.

The Palace option would mean seeking Royal permission, but the star was a friend of the Princess Royal. 

If the decision is based on beauty and solitude, then both Crinan and Lochgilphead may be considered. 

The Argyll locations were used during filming for 1963's 007 classic From Russia With Love - Sir Sean's second outing in the role of James Bond.

A few good props: A Navy officer's cap designed for 1992 courtroom drama A Few Good Men fetched $9,375 (£7,000). Pictured: Tom Cruise

A few good props: A Navy officer's cap designed for 1992 courtroom drama A Few Good Men fetched $9,375 (£7,000). Pictured: Tom Cruise

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