Ultra-scarce typed letter with terrific content relating to his immortal creation, James Bond, boldly signed at the close in fountain pen: "Dear 'Mr. Smith', I am very sorry I cannot recall ever having met or hearing of your friend. James Bond is certainly a little too young. Perhaps you have already tried Foreign Office friends, however I shall ask an older associate of mine who was around in the prewar years and who might be able to help you. I shall let you know after I have spoken with her. I do hope you enjoy reading my book Thrilling Cities as much as I did in the writing of it. I am afraid Casino Royale has become rather hard to find in hardback and I cannot spare a copy for you. I suggest you try some of the secondhand book sellers in town. Good luck in both your searches." In fine condition, with the top of the page trimmed away, by Fleming, to remove the letterhead; a small bit of paper loss in the top right-hand corner; and two mailing folds, with the horizontal fold just grazing the top of the first letter of his surname in the autograph. Letters from Fleming making reference to James Bond are almost impossible to find.

• Tweet