SPY STRENGTH
While the instrument cases endorsed by Francesca Dego, Carolin Widmann et al are undoubtedly of high quality (‘Best Case Scenario’, Accessories 2023), I believe I may have stumbled upon the strongest and most durable case in existence. Attending an exhibition of James Bond memorabilia in Brussels in May this year, I was surprised to find – listed as one of 007’s ‘vehicles’ – the cello case from 1987’s The Living Daylights, which conveyed both Bond and his associate, cellist Kara Milovy, over the border from Czechoslovakia ‘Cello case sled’ plus cello into Austria. The cello case sled, as it was labelled, normally housed a (very modern-looking) Stradivari cello known as the ‘Lady Rose’. Further research led me to discover that the case was sold at Christie’s in October last year for £20,160 – almost three times its upper estimate. Clearly a 30-year-old case of that strength and durability must be a sought-after item for anyone!
STEPHANIE WILSON
Bruges, Belgium‘
Cello case sled’ plus cello