Timothy Dalton
British Actor and Fourth James Bond · Film & Television
Eon Productions (James Bond Franchise)
Era
Modern era (post-Bond period, circa 2000s-2010s)
Item Type
8x10 Color Photograph
Condition
Excellent condition; the signature is bold and placed in a light-to-mid tone area of the photo for good visibility. No visible fading or smudging. The photo appears smooth with no major creases.
Rarity
Moderate. Dalton is a relative frequent signer at conventions and via the mail compared to other Bond actors like Sean Connery, but his 007-themed items remain in high demand.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, authentic-appearing example of a Bond legend. The signature is bold and well-placed on a classic image, making it a centerpiece item for any 007 enthusiast.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic based on consistent letter formation and fluid stroke direction typical of Dalton's later signature style. High confidence level.
Signature Style
Stylized 'Timothy Dalton' with a distinctive tall 'T' and a shortened, scrawled surname that loops back into a sharp underline. Clear aesthetic quality with recognizable flourishes.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid motion with consistent pen pressure. The 'T' is oversized compared to the rest of the text. The 'D' in Dalton is prominent, while the remaining characters in the surname are simplified into rhythmic peaks.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (likely a Sharpie) on a semi-glossy printed photograph. The ink sits well on the surface with no significant bleeding or bubbling.
Item Description
An 8x10 glossy publicity photograph of Timothy Dalton portraying James Bond, holding a Walther PPK. This is one of the most iconic and sought-after images for fans of his tenure as 007.
Estimated Value
$150.00 - $250.00 USD. Items signed as James Bond command a premium over his other film roles. Professional certification would push this toward the higher end of the range.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified 'Short Script' examples from modern convention appearances. The angle and the underline flourish are highly consistent with his known hand from the last 15 years.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, vertical 'T' and the way the 'D' transition into 'alton' becomes a compressed wave. The underlined flourish typically starts from the end of the surname and moves backward.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication). These are the industry leaders for entertainment autographs and provide the best boost to resale value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The flow is natural with no signs of hesitation, 'ink pooling,' or the shaky tremors often associated with forgeries.
Provenance Notes
Dalton has been active on the autograph circuit; documentation of a specific event or a COA from a reputable dealer like Official Pix would add significant weight.
Historical Context
Timothy Dalton starred in 'The Living Daylights' (1987) and 'Licence to Kill' (1989), bringing a more gritty, serious tone to the character that predated the Daniel Craig era by two decades.
Market Trends
Values for Timothy Dalton's Bond-related memorabilia have seen a steady increase as fans rediscover and appreciate his darker, more literary-accurate portrayal of the character.
Investment Potential
Stable to Positive. As a member of the exclusive 'Bond Actors' club, his autograph will always hold fundamental value among world-class film collectors.
Similar Autographs
Collectors may also seek Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, or Daniel Craig. These four represent the modern and late-classic eras of the Bond franchise.
Display & Preservation
Recommended display in a UV-protected frame with acid-free matting to prevent the black ink from fading or the photo paper from yellowing over time.
Interesting Facts
Dalton is known for being very gracious with fans but has a signature that has evolved from a very legible full-name script in the 1970s to the more abbreviated version seen here.