James Bond's 'first ever' pistol to be auctioned in Northamptonshire

The Walther PPK that featured in the early scenes of Dr No belonged to actor Bernard Lee, who played M in the 1962 film.

Lee brought it on set when a prop gun ordered for the scene was unavailable.

"This pistol was the first ever to appear in a James Bond film," reads a letter written by Lee that accompanies the lot.

"I have played the part of M in several of the James Bond films.

"The first of these, Doctor No, contained a scene in which Sean was scolded by myself about his choice of firearm.

"His Baretta pistol was replaced by a Walther pistol."

Auctioneer Jonathan Humbert expects the now deactivated gun to fetch between £50,000 and £80,000.

He described the item as "a superlative piece of British film history" that is "synonymous with the 007 brand".

The pistol will be auctioned on December 6 at Humbert & Ellis Auctioneers.