Richard Kiel
Actor famous for playing "Jaws" in the James Bond series · Entertainment - Film & Television
James Bond (Eon Productions)
Era
Late career / Retirement - circa 2000-2014
Item Type
8x10 Glossy Photograph
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint. The signature is bold and dark against a light background area, providing high contrast and clarity. No visible smudging or fading.
Rarity
Moderate. Richard Kiel was a prolific and friendly signer at fan conventions throughout the 2000s until his passing in 2014, but demand remains high among James Bond collectors.
Overall Assessment
This is a quintessential Richard Kiel autograph on his most recognizable image. The inclusion of the 'Jaws' inscription makes it highly desirable for collectors. Verdict: A genuine, high-quality example of a deceased pop culture icon.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (Confidence Level: 95%). The flow, letter formation, and characteristic inscription match numerous known examples from the signer's late-life appearances at fans conventions.
Signature Style
Stacked full name signature with the character name "JAWS" inscribed underneath. Features a distinctive sharp 'R' and flowing 'L' with moderate flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Natural flow with high speed; minimal pen lifts within the names; the 'R' has a distinctive point; the 'K' is often slightly disconnected from 'iel'; the 'J' in Jaws is typically larger than the other letters in the inscription.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a glossy black and white photograph.
Item Description
A high-contrast black and white 8x10 still from the 1977 James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me', depicting Richard Kiel in character as Jaws peeling the roof off a van.
Estimated Value
$100.00 - $150.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified exemplars from Official Pix and showmasters signing events perfectly, specifically the way he formed the 'K' and the parallel strokes in 'Kiel'.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, angular 'R' in Richard and the loop of the 'K' in Kiel. He almost always included the 'Jaws' inscription, which should have consistent pen pressure and speed.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication). Both are highly regarded for entertainment autographs. Cost: approx. $20-30 for authentication.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink sits correctly on the glossy surface and the speed of the strokes suggests a natural hand rather than a slow tracing.
Provenance Notes
Most of these items originate from autograph shows or through-the-mail requests. While a COA from a major third party is best, 'proof' photos from the signing contribute to value.
Historical Context
Richard Kiel created one of the most iconic henchmen in cinema history. Jaws is one of the few villains to appear in two Bond films ('The Spy Who Loved Me' and 'Moonraker') and eventually turn into a hero.
Market Trends
Prices for Kiel have seen a steady increase since his passing in 2014 as the 'Bond Villain' market remains one of the most stable niches in cinema collecting.
Investment Potential
Moderate. A solid 'hold' for Bond enthusiasts. While not a high-growth asset, it is a blue-chip item for any serious movie memorabilia collection.
Similar Autographs
Roger Moore, Christopher Lee, Harold Sakata (Oddjob), and Mads Mikkelsen.
Display & Preservation
Use UV-protective glass and an acid-free mat. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the black ink from fading or turning a brownish hue over time.
Interesting Facts
Kiel was 7 feet 2 inches tall. He actually disliked the metal teeth because they were painful and could only be worn for short periods during filming.