Bond later examines its contents - a yellowing temporary adoption certificate and dog-eared childhood photo, part of which appears to be missing.
The film also gives us a first look at Monica Bellucci, who takes the role of Lucia Sciarra, the widow of an assassin killed by 007.
Later, as Bond journeys through a mountainous landscape, he confronts an old acquaintance - to whom he returns a ring engraved with a symbol instantly recognisable as the insignia of the global crime synidicate this 24th offering directly references.
"I always knew death would wear a familiar face, but not yours," the shadowy acquaintance says as the item is handed over.
Not without menace, he adds: "You're a kite dancing in a hurricane, Mr Bond."
The all too brief trailer ends with the appearance of the enigmatic Franz Oberhauser, played by Christoph Waltz.
Bathed in shadow, his introduction is not unlike that of arch Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the character Waltz was initially rumoured to be playing.
"It's been a long time," he whispers. "But finally ... here we are."
Expectation has been steadily building since plans to shoot Spectre, the 24th film in the iconic, Broccoli-produced franchise, were set in motion - and not without reason.
Buoyed by the unprecedented commercial success of predecessor Skyfall - that film grossed $1,108.6 million worldwide in box office receipts - Daniel Craig has signed up for two more offerings, while director Sam Mendes and talented screenwriter John Logan also make a welcome return.
While subverting Bond mythology by turning the past into a sleek, polished and highly contemporary present, Spectre remains true to the jet setting spirit of the franchise.
The production has so far taken in locations across Austria, where dramatic Alpine scenes were filmed in February, London and, more recently, Mexico City - the setting for a macabre Day of the Dead-themed procession.
The carnival-like scenes were reminiscent of the 1973 Bond classic Live And Let Die, which was shot in such locations and New Orleans and Jamaica and featured Mardi Gras-style jazz funerals.
The new movie is sticking close to the tried and tested Bond format, with the official synopsis on IMDB revealing: "A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation.
"While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind Spectre."
Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Mexican actress Stephanie Sigman, 28, had become the latest female addition to Spectre, joining previously announced stars Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux.
The news was announced on the official James Bond Twitter account, where the post read: "We are pleased to announced that @SigmanStephanie has joined the cast of #Spectre as Estrella."
Model-turned-actress Sigman will play the mysterious character in the 24th Bond film, with further details being kept under wraps.
Spectre will be released globally on November 6.
- Daily Mail
