James Bond auction raises $1.6 million

DANIEL CRAIG's iconic CASINO ROYALE swimming trunks and a car he drove in QUANTUM OF SOLACE helped raise more than $1.6 million at a JAMES BOND memorabilia auction in London on Friday night (05Oct12).

The Global Bond Day Christie's sale was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the first superspy movie, Dr. No, and former James Bond icon Sir Roger Moore was on hand to help sell off several collectibles and props.

The highlight of the sale was a 2008 Aston Martin, driven by Craig in Quantum of Solace, which sold for $386,000, while the swimwear he donned in one famous Bond scene earned $71,120.

Actress Dame Judi Dench, who plays M in the superspy franchise, helped boost the price of the trunks by declaring, "They're unwashed."

One bidder paid $251,600 for a titanium Omega Seamaster Professional Planet Ocean watch worn by the actor in the upcoming film Skyfall, while a Tom Ford suit he donned fetched $74,960 .

Other items which went under the hammer included an orchestral score for the new theme song Skyfall, signed on the cover by singer Adele and co-writer Paul Epworth.

In a post on his Twitter.com page, comedian David Walliams, who was also among the star sellers at the event, writes, "I was with the Roger tonight at the Bond auction at Christie's. Over £1m was raised and Sir Roger was hilarious with his Daniel Craig mask."

Proceeds from the auction will benefit UNICEF.