Morlands cigarette box prop run
qbvi
AustraliaPosts: 254MI6 Agent
I loosely recall someone else a long time ago started on this. I didn't want to hijack anyone's thread so have posted this separately. Simon - could you please decide what is appropriate. Thanks.
Morlands Cigarette Box $125 USD
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79272614@N05/
I am making a short run of replica Morland boxes. I am taking orders because I have secured a limited supply of “vintage” materials.
Attached are pictures of my prototype, pictures of which have appeared on this forum in the past. This very accurate prototype has already gone to a very lucky collector on this forum.
As true Bond aficionados know, Fleming smoked Morland’s, around 70 per day in his prime, sometimes more. Naturally, Bond carried the banner high for all Fleming’s vices. References to these Morland cigarettes are scattered throughout the novels and can also be seen during the casino scene in Dr No and closeups during the opening scenes on OHMSS.
This prop is painstakingly replicated:
1. An original box is used for reference so prop is as accurate as possible.
2. Accurate materials have been sourced replicating everything, from the exact colours, the materials and even the textures
3. I even have the reference material on the exact “medallion” on the Morland’s logo, but on all originals I have seen (to date) these “medallions” are simplified in detail due to the size reduction. The replica will be true to the detail represented on the vintage boxes.
4. Accurate gold foiling specially printed and applied to blue leatherette
5. During the late 1950’s to Morland’s demise circa 1970’s, these collector boxes went through a few variations; in colour and production technique. The box replicated is the traditional dark blue “standard” and dates to the time Ian Fleming was still alive. After Fleming died, the text changed on the paper insert.
What is included?
1. One fully detailed Morlands cigarette box
2. Full complement of unfiltered hand-made “cigarette” tubes. These are made with paper intended for display purposes and cannot be smoked. To use real cigarette paper would incur increased costs. No tobacco is included to allow overseas postage without customs confiscation. You can buy your own tobacco and insert it into these tubes.
3. One accurate Morlands paper insert promoting Morlands and the Three Rings
4. 2 sheets of interleaving “anti-moisture” papers
5. One letter from Morland’s to James Bond to accompany the cigarette order. Original letterhead is replicated from an original and the contents of this letter captures the accurate facts of Fleming and Bond’s world; from the real manageress working at Morland’s as the signor, fictional connection to the girl from TMWGG who rolls Bond’s cigarette, the French quotes Fleming uses, the frequency of Fleming’s cigarette orders to a little bit of innuendo thrown in for good humour.
6. One replica postcard of Scott’s Restaurant (Fleming’s and Bond’s favourite restaurant mentioned in novels, Pearson’s bio and MR).
Anyone interested please let me know asap. Payment is upfront to secure your place in this limited run.
Morlands Cigarette Box $125 USD
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79272614@N05/
I am making a short run of replica Morland boxes. I am taking orders because I have secured a limited supply of “vintage” materials.
Attached are pictures of my prototype, pictures of which have appeared on this forum in the past. This very accurate prototype has already gone to a very lucky collector on this forum.
As true Bond aficionados know, Fleming smoked Morland’s, around 70 per day in his prime, sometimes more. Naturally, Bond carried the banner high for all Fleming’s vices. References to these Morland cigarettes are scattered throughout the novels and can also be seen during the casino scene in Dr No and closeups during the opening scenes on OHMSS.
This prop is painstakingly replicated:
1. An original box is used for reference so prop is as accurate as possible.
2. Accurate materials have been sourced replicating everything, from the exact colours, the materials and even the textures
3. I even have the reference material on the exact “medallion” on the Morland’s logo, but on all originals I have seen (to date) these “medallions” are simplified in detail due to the size reduction. The replica will be true to the detail represented on the vintage boxes.
4. Accurate gold foiling specially printed and applied to blue leatherette
5. During the late 1950’s to Morland’s demise circa 1970’s, these collector boxes went through a few variations; in colour and production technique. The box replicated is the traditional dark blue “standard” and dates to the time Ian Fleming was still alive. After Fleming died, the text changed on the paper insert.
What is included?
1. One fully detailed Morlands cigarette box
2. Full complement of unfiltered hand-made “cigarette” tubes. These are made with paper intended for display purposes and cannot be smoked. To use real cigarette paper would incur increased costs. No tobacco is included to allow overseas postage without customs confiscation. You can buy your own tobacco and insert it into these tubes.
3. One accurate Morlands paper insert promoting Morlands and the Three Rings
4. 2 sheets of interleaving “anti-moisture” papers
5. One letter from Morland’s to James Bond to accompany the cigarette order. Original letterhead is replicated from an original and the contents of this letter captures the accurate facts of Fleming and Bond’s world; from the real manageress working at Morland’s as the signor, fictional connection to the girl from TMWGG who rolls Bond’s cigarette, the French quotes Fleming uses, the frequency of Fleming’s cigarette orders to a little bit of innuendo thrown in for good humour.
6. One replica postcard of Scott’s Restaurant (Fleming’s and Bond’s favourite restaurant mentioned in novels, Pearson’s bio and MR).
Anyone interested please let me know asap. Payment is upfront to secure your place in this limited run.
A Whisper of Love, A Whisper of Hate
Comments
PM sent.
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Hi Ed
I am humbled by your praise given you "started" me off on this Bond journey so many years ago.
Hope you are enjoying the summer and the Olympics.
Regards, Sid
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Thanks DG
That this piece means so much to you is thanks enough for me. I am so glad you like it.
Regards, Sid
p/s...another one?...smoker's addiction!!!
I have been inundated with PM's and emails over the past 24 hours so have to close off the orders. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SO QUICK. Unfortunately there are some who have missed out on this first run (even though you replied overnight) given the limited supply of vintage materials I had to start with. I will be fair and treat orders on a first come first served basis. For those whom have received a reply from me already, you are confirmed as "on the list".
I have underestimated the demand for these Morland boxes and will try to source more materials for a 2nd run. For these I will be contacting each of you to advise you will be placed on the reserve list for a 2nd run.
FOR ANYONE WHO IS LATE AND WANTS A BOX, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO I CAN ADD YOU TO THE 3rd RUN LIST.
Please note timing of 2/3 run depends on my ability to source materials.
p/s
I thank "Domino Effect" for terrific feedback. He has pointed out that the postcode on the Morland's letter is a modern one and not from the 1950/60's. Such constructive and courteous feedback is what makes AJB so great especially for someone so fussy about detail as I. Remember Thunderball when Domino says to Bond at the pool, "You have sharp eyes Mr Bond"? Well Domino Effect sure likes up to his moniker.
My original intention is that the letter is received by each buyer as if they are Mr Bond receiving their weekly order of Morlands. Given Morlands closure circa in the 1970s, obviously we have a kind of timeline dilemma (similar to the Casino Royale timeline reset, etc). and a contradiction in Morlands old postcode with Bonds new postcode.
You can't receive Morlands today because the shop has closed. However, if we are Mr Bond receiving the order when the shop is still open, then the postcode is wrong, ie. it should be SW3. However, if I use the old postcode, then it means each of us exist as Mr Bond in the late 50's/60's receiving their order of cigarettes. Although this would make the postcodes consistent, some of us would prefer modern Bond with touches of the vintage Fleming spirit.
This is why if you look closely, to try and sidestep this dilemma, you will see no date on the letter in the picture I hosted. However, Domino Effect's comments kept me thinking that maybe some buyers would prefer to be old Bond in the 50/60's....for the sake of date accuracy.
So to give buyers the choice (date accuracy or feel as if you are Bond today ordering his cigarettes), I will supply two versions of the letter, one with the old postcode and one with the new.....easy enough for me and transfers my "accuracy" burden to each buyer....
Good point.
My only excuse is that some of us "old guys" are a composite of Bond's tastes through the decades....which leaves..utterly and psychologically confused...relics....hanging onto whatever politically incorrect habits we can while trying to adjust to modernity 8-)
Buyer can choose the version for themselves....the actual prop making is actually easier than this heavy thinking LOL -{
Not only do I like it, I love it! In my estimation, it is really a top tier Bond prop. No, not a smoker just addicted to Bond, James Bond!
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Thanks Brian
Literary Bond and Film Bond go hand in hand with me. There are many "crossover" props. Hey, Colonel Sun is amongst my favourite reads (even though it gets trashed in some circles) great old time atmosphere in that novel.
regards, Sid
p/s I am reading your great site.
I have replied to everyone via PM/email so if I have missed anyone, please check with me again...
Thanks everyone....Sid
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Very very nice JB Rolex 6200.
I'm sure Mr Higgins agrees with me!
Yes, it is a 6200 Submariner with an "expanding" metal band meaning the band expands like "Twist-O-Flex watch band for those of you who remember what that is. It has no depth rating and does not say "Submariner" on the dial. Fits perfectly with Fleming's description. Unfortunately it is a loaner from my watchmaker friend. It's very handsome , but the aged A-296 at its heart, according to my watchmaker, can be the devil to futz with. I guess that's why Rolex then went to the 1030 and then the 1530 in the replacements. Namely the 6538 and the 5510 Submariners.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
The hour hand is slightly longer than the later models.
Love the flex band...so comfortable!
Enjoy it!
Yes, that's right, longer hour hand. Good eye! I'll enjoy it until Monday. Then, sadly, it goes back to its owner.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Hi DG
Looks like you found the big Dunhill lighter....well done. Great tools of trade pic... -{
Regards, Sid
p/s that Rolex is something to lust after.
I guess there's a real collectors market out there for vintage lighters.