The Diamond Smugglers First Edition
A first edition, first impression of The Diamond Smugglers by Ian Fleming (Jonathan Cape, 1957) is worth about $131 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $22,496 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “First published 1957” as the only printing line, above © 1957 by Glidrose Productions Ltd.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$131
Valued from 4 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $150 | $22,496 | $22,496 |
| Near fine | $131 | $19,562 | $19,562 |
| Very good | $113 | $16,627 | $16,627 |
| Good | $113 | — | — |
| Fair | $93 | — | — |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Diamond Smugglers.
✓ Copyright page: “First published 1957” as the only printing line, above © 1957 by Glidrose Productions Ltd.
✓ Dust jacket: orange and grey, a black-and-white photograph of diamonds with a drawn hand, “author of Diamonds are Forever, From Russia, with Love, etc.” on the front panel
✓ Price: 12s 6d net (12 shillings 6 pence) on the front flap (unclipped); later impressions kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first
✓ Binding: black cloth, spine lettered in white
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Diamond Smugglers is a first edition, first impression?
- ✓ Copyright page: “First published 1957” as the only printing line, above © 1957 by Glidrose Productions Ltd. ✓ Dust jacket: orange and grey, a black-and-white photograph of diamonds with a drawn hand, “author of Diamonds are Forever, From Russia, with Love, etc.” on the front panel ✓ Price: 12s 6d net (12 shillings 6 pence) on the front flap (unclipped); later impressions kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first impression of The Diamond Smugglers worth?
- $93–$150 unsigned, up to $22,496 signed, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of November 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Is a signed first edition, first impression of The Diamond Smugglers worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Ian Fleming is valued at about $19,562, against $131 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Diamond Smugglers?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a copy?
We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation. Get an offer.
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