The year was 1965. I was six years old. The James Bond Attache Case was considered the holy grail of toys. It was heavily advertised, and millions of kids all over the US were relentlessly nagging their parents to pony up ten bucks for this utterly magnificent collection of spy stuff.
My nagging paid off. I received one that year. I was the king of the block.
The attache case came loaded with gear that transformed you into a spy to rival Mr. Bond himself. There was a Luger pistol with a silencer. It shot real rubber bullets, as I recall. There was also a knife that transformed into a gun. Other items included a wallet with cash, a passport, business cards, a decoder, a holster for the gun, and the case, which was amazing in itself.
You could booby-trap the locks so that caps would go off if an intruder tried to break in. Also, the gun lined up with a hole in the side, allowing you to shoot it by pressing a button from the closed case!
I had lots of cool toys, but I don’t remember any that were more exciting for a six-year-old kid. It took forever just to get all of the components out of the case!
In researching this piece, I have found that this is a very treasured collectible. Mint sets go for thousands of dollars! Imagine putting about ten of these away in 1965. Even partial sets go for hundreds.
I count myself very fortunate that my parents sprang for the steep price and got me one of these. I have no idea where it is now, but I hope at least part of it survived to be in someone’s collection.
My brother and I got one each for Christmas. Best toy ever.
I would like to have this because my wife and I are being threatened.
I had the same toy
There was an incident when I was 5 years old where an old man molested me. I got away from him and Ran to the corner store and told the owner what had happened. He immediately called the police and the officer picked me up and brought me back to my apartment, the man was gone and my mom had returned home.
I had to go to court and testify and remembered being scared witless, but I did and the case was closed. I don’t know what the man got sentenced if he did at all.
The next day that same police officer dropped by my apartment to see how I was doing and brought me the, 1965 James Bond Attache case!! I was thrilled and carried that case everywhere until one day a big bully snatched it away from me and it was gone.
Always wished I had another.
I hope you’ve put things behind you. No child should have to endure that. Much love.