Michael Caine The Harry Palmer Films

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Michael Caine The Harry Palmer Films
A pair of spectacles by Curry & Paxton, Ltd of London, with prescription lenses and imitation tortoiseshell frames, one arm marked inside YVAN -- supplied to Michael Caine as Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File, 1965; Funeral In Berlin, 1966; and Billion Dollar Brain, 1967; with original card box labelled inside CURRY & PAXTON, LTD., Dispensing Opticians...London, the lid of the box inscribed variously in ballpoint pen Michael Caines glasses "IPCRESS FILE" "FINALE [sic] IN BERLIN", Alice, General office Ross's, 2 Pairs Glasses M.. [remainder of inscription indistinct] and MICHAEL CAINE'S GLASSES; accompanied by two black and white stills, one from Funeral In Berlin, the other from Billion Dollar Brain, both -- 8x0in. (20.3x25.4cm.) (4)

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Lot Essay

Based on the novels by Len Deighton, the Harry Palmer trilogy starring Michael Caine as British agent Harry Palmer, have achieved cult status since their release over 40 years ago. The first in the series, The Ipcress File won three BAFTAs including Best Film. These distinctive glasses became the visual trademark of British Agent, Harry Palmer, and are synonymous with this character.

The vendor, who was the production accountant on Billion Dollar Brain, purchased these glasses post-production and recalls that they were kept in the safe of the Pinewood Prop Stores. Although more than one pair of glasses may have been supplied for the films, the fact that they were kept in the prop store safe indicates that they were those worn by Michael Caine, and the numerous inscriptions on the box indicates useage in all three films.

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