The points of issue
Cape first, published 1 April 1963 (Gilbert A11a); standard binding is dark cloth/boards with a white ski-track motif stamped on the front board and the spine lettered in silver (a premium variant uses quarter vellum over black boards with gilt spine and top edge gilt). The Richard Chopping dust jacket depicts an artist's hands drawing the Bond family coat of arms. First-issue text point: 'two kings' on page 34, line 7. Jacket priced 16s net.
Is this the true first?
UK Cape (1963) precedes the US New American Library edition (1963), so the UK printing is the true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Reprints reset; later impressions add printing lines; book-club copies lack the priced jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of On Her Majesty's Secret Service a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Cape first, published 1 April 1963 (Gilbert A11a); standard binding is dark cloth/boards with a white ski-track motif stamped on the front board and the spine lettered in silver (a premium variant uses quarter vellum over black boards with gilt spine and top edge gilt). The Richard Chopping dust jacket depicts an artist's hands drawing the Bond family coat of arms. First-issue text point: 'two kings' on page 34, line 7. Jacket priced 16s net.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. UK Cape (1963) precedes the US New American Library edition (1963), so the UK printing is the true first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Reprints reset; later impressions add printing lines; book-club copies lack the priced jacket.
I have a first edition of On Her Majesty's Secret Service — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.