LICENSED TROUBLESHOOTER: The Guns of James Bond
by Caleb Daniels
Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond is a celebration of the most fascinating small arms wielded by one of the world’s most acclaimed action heroes, 007. This in-depth analysis spans the entire collection of Bond films and the novels that inspired them, including those authored by Ian Fleming and also those of the continuation authors. This visual history thoroughly examines the design and implementation of Bond’s tools, and of course, their impact on 007.
Beyond simply paying tribute to the fictional hero of James Bond, Licensed Troubleshooter shines a spotlight on the real-world operators employing the same firearms, featuring interviews with current and former military and intelligence personnel from agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States, including the CIA, MACV-SOG, U.S. Navy SEALs, DSS, and more. These interviews, combined with substantive historical research, provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the often incredible history of these firearms, including their use in combat and clandestine services. Be prepared to see Bond’s guns in a way you’ve never seen them before.
Notable firearms featured in this book include:
Walther PPK iconic compact pistol
Analysis of Ian Fleming’s “skeleton gripped .25 Beretta”
An exploration and identification of Ian Fleming’s “long-barrelled .45 Colt Army Special”
ASP 9 mm pistol
Walther WA2000 precision rifle
Scaramanga’s famous “Golden Gun”
Heckler & Koch P7 with squeeze cocker and piston-delayed operation
Walther P99 polymer-framed pistol
SVD Dragunov, sniper rifle of the Iron Curtain
MBA Gyrojet firing rocket-propelled projectiles
Licensed Troubleshooter also offers a number of vignettes detailing other non-incendiary items fundamental to the character of Bond, such as:
Timepieces
Tailoring
Cocktails
Though this book provides significant written analysis and commentary, it is also presented in part as a pictorial study in order to best highlight the varied and unique details of the noteworthy firearms used by Bond. The masterful photography of James Rupley jumps off the page, often exhibiting these small arms at larger-than-life scale. Equally appealing to both firearms collectors and Bond aficionados, Licensed Troubleshooter serves as the first book to celebrate the small arms of the literary and cinematic Bond in this comprehensive manner.
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This publication is not affiliated with Ian Fleming Publications, Ltd., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (“MGM”), Danjaq, LLC (“Danjaq”), the United Artists Corporation, or any other stakeholder in the intellectual property associated with James Bond. Headstamp Publishing LLC and the author of this book make no claim of ownership of any intellectual property owned by these stakeholders, and use of any such intellectual property in this book is merely for descriptive purposes. We are fans of all elements of the James Bond universe, and as such we encourage our readers to visit the various entities listed above directly and support them as they release Bond products.
The Guns of James Bond
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. Printed books are not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form of the book; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Features:
Page count: TBD
11.6" wide by 10" tall (approx.)
Commercial quality, section sewn style binding which allows the book to lay flat
Full color prints on premium quality paper stock
Foil stamped, blue faux leather hardcover
Ribbon page marker
*** Important Pre-Order Item Shipping Information: Multi-item orders containing a Pre-Order Item will NOT ship until all items, including the pre-order item, are in stock and ready to ship. Therefore, if you desire other items that are currently in stock to ship immediately, please place a separate order for those items.
The Guns of James Bond
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. Printed books are not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form of the book; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Features:
Page count: TBD
11.6" wide by 10" tall (approx.)
Commercial quality, section sewn style binding which allows the book to lay flat
Full color prints on premium quality paper stock
Foil stamped, blue faux leather hardcover
Ribbon page marker
Signed by author, Caleb Daniels
*** Important Pre-Order Item Shipping Information: Multi-item orders containing a Pre-Order Item will NOT ship until all items, including the pre-order item, are in stock and ready to ship. Therefore, if you desire other items that are currently in stock to ship immediately, please place a separate order for those items.
The Guns of James Bond
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. Printed books are not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form of the book; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Features:
Page count: TBD
11.6" wide by 10" tall (approx.)
Commercial quality, section sewn style binding which allows the book to lay flat
Full color prints on premium quality paper stock
Foil stamped, blue faux leather hardcover
Ribbon page marker
Signed by author, Caleb Daniels
Includes Commemorative Clamshell Presentation Case
*** Important Pre-Order Item Shipping Information: Multi-item orders containing a Pre-Order Item will NOT ship until all items, including the pre-order item, are in stock and ready to ship. Therefore, if you desire other items that are currently in stock to ship immediately, please place a separate order for those items.
Commemorative Items
OSS Special Weapons & Equipment: Spy Devices of WWII by H. Keith Melton
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. Printed books are not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form of the book; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Features:
Page Count: 127
Dimensions: Approximately 8 (width) x 10.5 (height) inches.
The book is in Hardback form
Authored by H. Keith Melton, and with a Foreword by former Director of Central Intelligence, William Colby, this book is a treasure trove of information relating to the early spy devices available to the OSS during the Second World War.
CIA Special Weapons & Equipment: Spy Devices of the Cold War by H. Keith Melton
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. Printed books are not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form of the book; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Features:
Page Count: 128
Dimensions: Approximately 8 (width) x 10.5 (height) inches.
The book is in Hardback form
Authored by H. Keith Melton, and with a Foreword by former Director of Central Intelligence, Richard Helms, this book is a treasure trove of information relating to the spy devices available to the CIA during the Cold War.
*** Important Pre-Order Item Shipping Information: Multi-item orders containing a Pre-Order Item will NOT ship until all items, including the pre-order item, are in stock and ready to ship. Therefore, if you desire other items that are currently in stock to ship immediately, please place a separate order for those items.
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. This item is not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Our genuine leather bookmarks are hand-tanned, cut, and printed by a family-owned tannery in Scotland. Each bookmark is dyed a blue color to complement the book, and debossed with a gold foil print showcasing icons from the book.
* At this time, due to order fulfillment logistics, BOOKMARKS MAY ONLY BE ORDERED IN COMBINATION WITH A BOOK PURCHASE. Any order not accompanied by a book will be canceled.
*** Important Pre-Order Item Shipping Information: Multi-item orders containing a Pre-Order Item will NOT ship until all items, including the pre-order item, are in stock and ready to ship. Therefore, if you desire other items that are currently in stock to ship immediately, please place a separate order for those items.
*** This is a PRE-ORDER item. This item is not expected to arrive at our fulfillment center until approximately May 2025; however, this date is only an estimate and is likely to change to some extent. We will strive to post updates on the Updates Page of our website, so please check that page if you have status update questions. All images shown as part of this product launch are digital renderings of the current form; however, some changes may be made to the appearance, content, and page count as we work through the print production process. Credit cards and payment methods will be charged at the time the order is placed. ***
Our ex libris, or bookplate, provides a classic way to indicate ownership of one’s books. Meaning ‘from the library of’ in Latin, the ex libris has been a staple of true bibliographic connoisseurs for centuries. These luxury bookplates are letterpress-printed on premium textured ivory paper stock by a small press in Scotland. Finished with a stylish application of gold foil, they also feature a peel-away adhesive backing for easy application to the book of your choice.
* At this time, due to order fulfillment logistics, “EX LIBRIS” BOOKPLATES MAY ONLY BE ORDERED IN COMBINATION WITH A BOOK PURCHASE. Any order not accompanied by a book will be canceled.
*** Important Pre-Order Item Shipping Information: Multi-item orders containing a Pre-Order Item will NOT ship until all items, including the pre-order item, are in stock and ready to ship. Therefore, if you desire other items that are currently in stock to ship immediately, please place a separate order for those items.
Backer Patch (Licensed Troubleshooter)
No Longer Available. Only Available During Pre-Order Campaign
About the Author
Caleb Daniels is a writer, photographer, reader, shooter, and a lifelong fan of the world of James Bond. For eight years, throughout high school and college, he worked in the firearms industry, and quickly grew to love that world.
In 2020, Caleb founded “Commando Bond” a website and social media channel dedicated to the celebration of the lifestyle of James Bond. This passion project began as an outlet to bridge the gap between the world of pop culture and firearms, to help normalize the daily carry, use, and enjoyment of firearms through the lens of cinematic and literary heroes. Rather than focusing exclusively on the small arms of characters like 007, James Reece, and Thomas Magnum, the photography and writing of “Commando Bond” showcases every aspect of these and other characters, including their wardrobe and overall lifestyle. Detailed analysis of both the small arms and sartorial aspects of characters, through daily use and wear, can be found on the website and social media channels.
Caleb is also a subject matter expert on Walther firearms and has regularly been engaged by Walther Arms for professional photography and editorial work. Most recently, his photography and writing was commissioned to relaunch the Walther PPK, chambered once again for .32 ACP. His photography and commentary have been published in a variety of publications, and by a number of firearms companies. Most notably, aside from Walther Arms, his work can often be found in use by Jack Carr, Alchemy 1911, Triple Aught Design, Watches of Espionage, and others. You can follow Caleb on Instagram at @commandobond.