Tag Archives: Elvis collectibles

Elvis Merchandise – Circa 1956

ElvisBlog does an article or two after each Auction at Graceland and usually covers an interesting mix of items. However, the recently completed auction held during Elvis Week had one item that provided more than enough for this post.

Don’t worry if you can’t make out the pictures on here. I will cover each one with a large enough image for you to make out not only the pictures but most of the texts as well.

What we have here is a 1956 Elvis Presley Enterprises merchandising guide poster featuring thirty-five items.  It measures 16 inches by 26 inches and sold for $250 at the auction to Glenn Johnson, a big Elvis collector in Texas.  I talked to him by email, and he said he owns all but five of these items.

Here is a part of the website description of this merchandising guide poster:

In 1956 as Elvis’ career was hitting the fast track, Colonel Parker partnered with Hank Saperstein to create a merchandising machine that would bring the superstar into the home and hearts of every youngster around the nation. Elvis Presley Enterprises placed Elvis’ image on everything from clothing and jewelry to toys, shoes, lipstick and so much more. This was a stroke of marketing genius.

The poster was sent to distributors with the notation that each of the creators of the items would provide advertising help to the local retailers.

 

Let’s look at the 1956 Elvis merchandise on this poster, going from left to right starting at the top of the poster.

 

Crew Hat:

This hat must have been one of the best sellers, because I’ve seen them in lots of photos of the fans. Here’s a larger photo in color.

And here’s one of Elvis wearing the hat when he performed in Tupelo.

 

Head Scarf:

I was a teenager in 1956, and I just don’t remember the girls wearing scarfs, so this item may have not sold very well.

Here it is in color. Elvis was known to wear a bit of eye make-up, and the artist shows it here.

 

Elvis Presley Fashions:

The text says iridescent 50/50 felt. I believe this is one of them.

 

Teenage Lipstick:

So, what would have been your preference, ladies? Hound Dog Pink or Heartbreak Hotel Red?

 

Skimmer Pump Shoes:

I never heard of skimmer pump shoes, so I looked them up, and It appears that skimmer pump is another name for flats.  This is one of the items that collector Glenn Johnson does not have.  I guess most of them got worn to death and were finally discarded.

 

Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog:

I tried to look up a good color picture of this Elvis stuffed hound dog. I couldn’t find it, but there are dozens of other licensed and unlicensed ones on Google. It might be fun to post a Top 10 Review of the best ones.

 

Elvis Presley Statue:

I’m not sure 7-1/2 inches tall qualifies as a statue, but, hey, what do you want for a buck?

 

Talking Record:

I did some research on this, but it’s still a little hazy.  I think in the beginning it was just a small 78 RPM record.  Collector Glenn Johnson has not been able to find this item for his extensive collection.

However, there are many photos of the record attached to the cover of a 32-page magazine.  Here’s one that sold at the Auction at Graceland in January 2017.

It sold for $312.50. Years later, a CD version of this talking record was released.

 

Crew Neck Polo Shirt and Girl’s Knit Pajamas:

 

The left side of the poster combines three clothing items with the same Elvis design. In addition to the crew neck polo shirt above, there was also a boat-neck version.

Unlike most items on the poster these don’t list the retail price. However, there was a polo shirt and hat combo on the recent Auction at Graceland that sold for $343.75.

This one looks like it had a lot of wear. Plus, they may have called it a polo shirt, but it’s really a T-shirt.

 

Canvas Sneakers:

A pair of these sneakers and the original box, both in pristine condition, were sold at the August 13, 2015 Auction at Graceland for $3,750.

 

Elvis Presley Handkerchiefs:

One of these handkerchiefs and the scarf sold for $312.50 at the last auction.

 

 

 

Billfolds:

They didn’t use a very good quality photo for these. Here are three of the billfold designs in color.

.

Bookends:

I found a pair of these on eBay, but they were sold and the price didn’t appear.


The eBay text says they are very rare.

 

Mittens:

I could not find another picture of the Elvis mittens. And Glenn Johnson has never found them to add to his collection.

 

Belts and Bolo ties:

Here’s one of the belts I found on eBay for $1,450.

There’s a surprising variety of Elvis bolos out there on the internet, none of them seem to the 1956 models.

 

Socks:

I couldn’t find any better pictures of these.

 

Rock and Roll Photo Wallet:

 

Combo Bag:

 

Medallion Necklaces:

I found this one on ebth.com.

I can’t believe it sold for just $30.

 

Black Twill Jeans and Simtex Shirt:

I couldn’t find either of these on the internet.  Maybe all that sold got worn out and thrown away.  Or maybe they didn’t sell at all because there was no image of Elvis on them.  Glenn Johnson doesn’t have either, so I’m guessing they will never be in his collection.

 

Charm Bracelet:

These were easy find on the internet.

 

I hope you enjoyed this look at all the Elvis stuff from 1956.  The Auction at Graceland has been the source for many ElvisBlog posts, but I think this was one of the most interesting.

My thanks to Glenn Johnson for the information he provided for this post.  If you want to see his collection in a 15 minute on YouTube, click here:

 

 

© 2019 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

Elvis Goodies from the Fuzzy Room – Part 5

It’s been two months since I last posted a group of Elvis collectibles for sale on here. I need to be more regular with this, because the time to move and down-size is steadily approaching. Thanks for helping me find new homes for the Elvis stuff I’ve collected for decades and displayed in my Fuzzy Room.

Jungle Tree Fuzzy Room

       Please Note: The prices are for delivery to USA destinations only.
Postal rates to other countries are just prohibitive and mailing to
them is way more hassle. Sorry.

 

Graceland Book:

 

Graceland Coffee Table Book

This is a terrific book. It has 253 pages containing hundreds of photographs, most in color, and many are full-page or larger. Nearly all were taken just for this book by the Director of Photography at Memphis State University. They are sharp, clear, and beautiful. And many show you details in the various rooms of Graceland that we have not seen elsewhere.

The text accompanying the photographs was written by Chet Flippo, Senior Editor at Rolling Stone magazine. You will learn plenty of new stuff here, too. In addition to chapters on every room at Graceland (except Elvis’ bedroom), it covers his automobiles and planes, the ’68 Comeback Special, the Army days, Gold Lamé Suit, Aloha from Hawaii, Tupelo home, Elvis memorabilia, and much more.

Please disregard the shadow across the cover in my photograph. This book will look great on your coffee table. When it was originally published in 1993, the price was $60. I am willing to let it go for $18 delivered. It is in very good shape. Move fast to snap up this deal.

 

’68 Comeback Special Salt & Pepper Shakers:

 

(Editor’s Note: This has been sold.  The first set of Elvis salt and pepper shakers offered on here also went very fast.  I wish I had more.)

 

Elvis Presley Salt and Pepper Shaker Set in Box

Considering all the stuff Graceland is offering in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the TV special, I’m surprised they didn’t bring back this one.

Elvis Presley Salt and Pepper Shakers

The round shaker with The Elvis picture on it is the salt shaker. The Elvis in Red Lights is the pepper shaker.

Elvis Presley Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

And this is how they go together on your dining room table. The set can be yours for $12 delivered.

 

James Burton Autographed CD:

 

(Editor’s Note:  This item has been sold.)

 

James Burton - Corn Pickin' and Slick Slidin'

We all know about James Burton playing guitar for Ricky Nelson before joining Elvis in 1969. In between he recorded this album. Here is what one Amazon reviewer said about it:

“The jaw-dropping Telecaster work of James Burton and the ethereal pedal-steel sound of Ralph Mooney led Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard and countless others to recruit them for their sessions. They also cut a bunch of tunes together in the late ’60s; here are those killer cuts: Columbus Stockade Blues; The Texas Waltz; Moonshine; Your Cheatin’ Heart; Spanish Eyes , and more.”

James Burton autographed CD

I am offering the CD autographed by James Burton for $6 delivered.

 

Readers Digests with Elvis Articles:

 

(Editor’s Note: This item has been sold.)

 

Two Elvis stories in Readers Digest

The one on the left has this tease: The Plot Against the King. The title inside is: The Colonel and the King.

The Colonel and the King

This is an excerpt from the book The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley by noted Elvis biographer Alana Nash. At 17 pages with 14 photographs, it is very interesting reading.

Where Elvis Lived

The other Reader’s Digest has the cover tease: Where Elvis Lives, but the six-page story covers much more than Graceland.

This is a two-fer deal, both for $5 delivered.

 

Elvis T-Shirts:

 

Elvis Jailhouse Rock T-shirt

 

(Editor’s Note: This item has been sold.  The other two T-shirts are still available.)

 

This is a spectacular T-Shirt. Most Elvis shirts just have a picture on the chest area of the front. This one has the background image from the Jailhouse Rock dance scene on every inch of the front and back. And centered on both sides is a large, very sharp photo of Elvis. It is simply the best two-sided Elvis T-shirt you will ever find. Size XL. $15 delivered. If you email me to say you want this, refer to it as the Jailhouse Rock T-shirt.

 

Nobody Knows I'm Elvis

This shirt will get you comments whenever you wear it. Size XL. Just $5 delivered.

 

Elvis Face T-shirt

Like the first shirt, this design is no longer available from the usual sources. The photo reproduction of Elvis’ face is so well done, and it really grabs people’s attention. A perfect T-shirt to wear at Elvis Week (or anywhere). Size XL. $10 delivered. Refer to this as the Elvis face shirt if you email to claim it.

 

Elvis Flipbook:

 

(Editor’s Note:  This item has been sold.)

 

Elvis Flipbook

In this age of digital images and videos, we can still enjoy a throw-back to much earlier times when flipbooks were a popular form of entertainment.

Elvis Flipbook OpenSorry for this pathetic photo. It was tough to take a picture showing the inside when you flip through it, but I can say it does a great job of showing Elvis’ stage moves while wearing the gold coat. The flipbook is in perfect shape. How about just $4 for it?

 

Small Stuff:

 

Elvis Magnet, Patch, and Matches

So, here we have a 3” long Greetings from Graceland refrigerator magnet done in the familiar postcard style. Also an 2-1/2 x 2-1/2” Elvis 60th Birthday patch. And a book of Elvis matches, with none of them removed. $5 for all three.

 

Pay Now with PayPal Button.

If you want an item, send me an email at philarnold@charter.net.  (Do not notify me of your interest on Comments.) As usual, first come, first served. I would prefer payment using PayPal, but checks will work, too. When I get your email, I will initiate billing on PayPal. You approve it and I send the item right out to you. With a check, it’ll take a little longer.

Thanks for your support.

Phil Arnold

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

.

Elvis Goodies rom the Fuzzy Room – Part 4

You readers really came through the last time I did this. In two days, everything was sold. Thanks for helping me find new homes for the Elvis stuff I’ve collected for decades and displayed in my Fuzzy Room.

Jungle Tree Fuzzy Room

 

Please Note: The prices are for delivery to USA destinations only. Postal rates to other countries are just prohibitive and way too much hassle. Sorry.

 

Elvis Refrigerator Magnet Set:

 

Editor’s Note:  This item has been sold.

 

Elvis Magnet Set

 

Elvis treasures are nice to own, but they mostly just sit around and look pretty. This one has a bonus because you can play with it. I’ve had a lot of fun messing around this magnet set for a couple of decades.

 

Elvis in Blue Hawaii Swim Trunks

It starts with a 7 inch tall Elvis wearing the swim trunks from Blue Hawaii. Then, you get to be his wardrobe manager. And look at all the fine stuff you get to put on him.

 

Elvis in '68 Special Black Leather Suit

The “68 Special black leather is one of my favorites. The jacket is so baaad and the pants are the best ones in the set.

 

Elvis in Flame Jumpsuit

The Flame Jumpsuit from 1976 always looks good. I’m just glad to see something other than the Aloha American Eagle suit getting featured. It’s on so many different Elvis products.

 

Elvis in Hawaii Shirt and Lei

It’s hard to beat the Hawaiian shirt and lei. The sunglasses could go on any of the outfits, of course, but this is the only place I use them.

 

Elvis in Karate Gi Top

Here’s an Elvis image you’ve never seen before – wearing the Karate Gi without the pants. You lady readers are welcome to download a copy of this photo.

 

Elvis- Jailhouse Rock Jacket and Karate Gi Pants

I like to mix up the combinations of shirt and pants. Elvis looks just fine wearing the Karate Gi pants with the Jailhouse Rock jacket.

 

Elvis - Gold Coat and Bluejeans

I thought it would be interesting to pair up the gold coat with the Jailhouse Rock blue jeans. Elvis is such a fashion icon, he can successfully make elegant and simple work together

 

My least favorites are the Army Uniform. Elvis just looks too dull in them. I put them in a box that might as well be marked Rejects, because I don’t use them. Someone else may feel differently.

 

Discarded Elvis Army Uniform

 

They are joined in reject box by the pants of the Gold Lame Suit. I like the coat, but the pants are too baggy, so they too ended up in there, too. You know, it’s feels weird to use the word reject in connection with anything Elvis.

 

One time when my brother visited, we did a lot of drinking and were feeling no pain. I gave him the complete show of all the different Elvises I could create with my magnet set. I also told him about the Army uniform and the gold pants being in the reject box because I didn’t care about them.

That was all my brother needed to hear. Later, when I went to use the bathroom, he hurried back to the refrigerator. Using our kitchen scissors he cut off about a third of the gold pants, and then placed them on Elvis. Then he added the wide jumpsuit belt that comes in the set. He completed the ensemble with the tall Army boots.

 

Jethro Elvis

 

I came into the kitchen, and actually did one of those head fakes as I walked by the refrigerator. I cussed out my brother and then we broke into laughter. Good brother bonding time. Sorry, Elvis.

He came up with a name that’s bad, but I after all these years I still remember it – Jethro Elvis.

 

Elvis Magnet Shoes

I must admit I don’t use the shoes very often. Maybe the blue suede shoes with the blue jeans just for variety. They won’t work with anything else, except the black the black leather pants. One of the black leather shoes is missing, and the other is in the reject box.

 

Teddy Bear, Guitar, Hound Dog

The teddy bear, guitar, and hound dog just hang around near Elvis in his prized spot on the refrigerator.

 

Elvis Magnet Hair

What do you think this is? It’s supposed to be Elvis’ hair, jumpsuit era, I would guess. It is the stupidest thing you ever saw. The Elvis face is this set has great hair.

 

Head of Elvis Magnet

I can’t believe anyone would want to ruin it like this.

Elvis wearing Magnet Hair

Guess where I keep the ugly hair?

 

Elvis Magnet

I’ve had this Elvis name magnet positioned above him most of the time, but sometimes I like a new look and it goes underneath.

 

I apologize to anyone offended by the Jethro Elvis picture or the idea that anything Elvis could end up in a reject box.

 

So, would you like an Elvis goodie that you can interact with… as frequently as you please? This magnet set is it. Whoever buys it will be rewarded with a lot of fun. Is there room on your refrigerator for something really cool?

 

The price on this set is $20 delivered. If you want it, send me an email at philarnold@charter.net. (Do not notify me of your interest on Comments.) As usual, first come, first served. I would prefer payment by PayPal, but checks work, too

Pay Now with PayPal Button.

I will send a PayPal invoice to whoever responds first. You approve it, and I send the package. Shipment with check payment will take a little longer.

 

Thanks for your support.

Phil Arnold

 

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

Graceland Auction – August 12, 2018

Auction at Graceland Image

Photos and text used by permission, copyright 2018 GracelandAuctions.com

This will mark the eleventh Graceland Auction to be featured on ElvisBlog. I love following these things, and it’s fun to talk about the items that interest me. The auction websites always provide descriptions of the lots, and I’ve noticed they have gotten longer. This time, some are very long and they include wonderful historical footnotes to Elvis’ life and career that you possibly don’t already know. The descriptions are also well-written and read like little essays.

Thanks to permission from Graceland Auction Consignment Director Jeff Marren and Managing Director Laura Pickett, I’ll reproduce several descriptions here in their entirety.

 

1956 Advertising Poster for RCA Singles “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel”:

Elvis Presley - 1956 Advertising Poster for RCA Singles “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel”

“In November of 1955, RCA bought Elvis’ contract from Sun Records. Elvis was a budding star with an original beat, and wow, how this gamble would pay off for RCA. Elvis’ first studio album was released by RCA in March of 1956 and was the first rock and roll album to make the top of the Billboard charts, remaining at number 1 for 10 weeks.

“On July 2, 1956, the RCA recording sessions for “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog” and “Any Way You Want Me” saw Elvis completely take over the studio for the first time, demanding more than two dozen takes of each of the first two songs as he effectively produced them on the spot. Recognizing the potential, RCA quickly released “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” as a single on July 13, 1956, soon after which both songs vied for position in the top spots on the Billboard charts and combined spent more than 55 weeks in the top 100. This release became the most successful double-sided hit in the Billboard top 100 charts and was a multi-million-dollar-selling single for RCA. “

 

There are actually two versions of this 16” X 11” promotional poster, one with “Hound Dog” on top, and the other with ‘Don’t be Cruel.” Both songs were so strong that RCA had to find a way to give top billing to both. After all, the poster does say, “the song he exploded on TV,” and they both did that.

For what it’s worth, I still love “Hound Dog” a lot and “Don’t Be Cruel” almost as much. But after hearing “Jailhouse Rock” about a thousand times, I don’t much care for it anymore.

The minimum bid for the promotional poster was $400, but it went for $5,625, way more than I guessed 38 bids really ran up the price.

 

Dining Room Chairs from the Graceland:

Elvis Presley - Dining Room Chairs from Graceland

“Elvis dated Linda Thompson for just over four years between 1972 and 1976, and it was in 1974 that the pair undertook some renovations at Graceland, the home they shared at the time. During this redecorating, the Jungle Room saw the green carpet and furry furniture installed, the pair of custom-made blue peacock stained glass windows by Laukhuff Stained Glass were positioned to flank the doorway entrance to the music room, and the dining room was updated with new furnishings in shades of red. The offered two high-back cushioned dining chairs, one of which is an armchair, were those acquired for this dining room redesign.

“The red upholstered chairs with diamond patterned stitching and silver stud accents sit atop wooden legs and center brace. The high-style chairs were used at Graceland from this period in 1974 through Elvis’ death in 1977. The chairs, each measuring 60 inches in height, 23 inches in width and 22 inches in length, emanate from the 1999 Graceland Archives Auction (lot C146) and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the 1999 Graceland Archives auction and a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

Catelog - The Archives of Graceland Auction 1999

At the 1999 auction, these chairs were estimated to go for $10-12,000, but nobody felt they were worth that much. So, the chairs were back for sale in 2018 with a minimum bid of just $2,500, and they sold for $8,125.

 

Signed Page from Mr. RHYTHM Magazine:

Elvis Presley - Signed Page from Mr. Rhthym Magazine

“The early Mr. Rhythm souvenir picture album from 1956 contained eight interior pages that include images of Elvis, the Louvin Brothers, Benny Martin, June Carter, Justin Tubb, and Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, a lineup of performers that toured with Elvis in February of 1956. On the interior page opposite the one featuring Elvis singing was an image of Elvis signing autographs for female fans. Offered is that single page signed by Elvis, with a big bold blue signature that appears vertically across his white checked jacket in the black-and-white photo.

“The caption under the horizontal image reads ’Backstage while waiting his turn on the show Elvis signs autographs for fans who have outmaneuvered the stage door guard. And after his spot on the show fans will overrun the stage to see and talk with Elvis in person.’ The page has been skillfully removed from the souvenir album for display purposes and was obviously treasured by the Elvis admirer who likely hung the signed picture, as evidenced by the small corner pinholes.

“After Elvis’ contract was purchased by RCA in November 1955 and Elvis’ first single release under RCA hit number 1 on the charts, the marketing machine went into full swing, and one of the early promotions to be printed in December 1955 was this Mr. Rhythm concert program. The souvenir program was intended to be sold at Elvis’ appearances while on tour in 1956. This iconic example of an early-career Elvis signature appears on the single page that measures 8 by 10 inches.”

 

I thought the minimum bid of $750 was low, and that was confirmed when the signed magazine page went for $3,375. A possible reason for part of this strength is the photo on the reverse side. I love this one.

Elvis Presley and Fans - From Mr. Rhthym Magazine

Have you ever seen this picture? It’s new to me, and it is classic.

 

Another item at the auction is an autographed back cover of a Mr. Rhythm magazine. It appears that it was not the same one that the signed page above came from.

Elvis Presley - Signed Back Cover from Mr. Rhthym Magazine

The back cover picture is a studio portrait image of Elvis by William Speer. It was taken at the same 1955 shoot that produced the image on the 2015 Elvis stamp.

2015 Elvis Stamp

 

Although the autographed back cover of Mr. Rhythm had the same $750 minimum as the autographed page interior page, it went for less at $2,500.

 

Elvis Presley Signed 1964 Viva Las Vegas Soundtrack 45 Record Sleeve in Framed Display with Two Lobby Cards:

Elvis Presley Signed 1964 Viva Las Vegas Soundtrack 45 Record Sleeve in Framed Display with Two Lobby Cards

Viva Las Vegas is considered by many to be one of Elvis’ best films, highlighted by legendary songs and the natural chemistry between the two stars, Elvis and Ann-Margret. Elvis plays Lucky Jackson, who heads to Las Vegas to win the Grand Prix. In the process of raising the money he needs to repair his race car, he crosses paths with Rusty Martin, the swimming instructor played by Ann-Margret. The movie was a box office hit and one of the top-grossing films of 1964. Perhaps the success was due to the allure of the stars, the fun, fast-paced plot, the promotion and marketing of the film, or a combination of all three.

“Offered is a handsome display that captures the dazzling excitement of the film, with the Viva Las Vegas soundtrack 45 white interior record sleeve signed in black ink on the upper right “Thanks Elvis Presley” taking center focus. The white interior signed sleeve sits adjacent to the full color picture sleeve, and the pair are framed on two corners with a flourish of playing cards.

“The 45 sleeves are flanked above and below by two lobby cards from the film: the top features Ann-Margret with the title ‘Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret make with a wicked watusi to C’mon Everybody and the bottom lobby card shows Elvis wearing a cowboy hat with the caption ‘A Las Vegas nightclub shakes and quakes when ‘go-go’ Elvis Presley lets loose with a number.’ Each section is matted in peach, adding a colorful flair to the display. The film itself was anything but short on color and this bold display perfectly reflects that vibrant vibe. This wonderfully framed artifact from the Elvis movie that always ranks near the top of fans’ lists measures 37 by 20 inches and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

 

I have grumbled for years that many people offering things autographed by Elvis could have generated more money if they had properly displayed them. This is a prime example proving my point. The owner started a simple signed inner sleeve from the 45 EP ELVIS – Viva Las Vegas.

Elvis Presley Signed Record Sleeve

Next, the color outer sleeve.

Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas EP

Then, to really make an impressive display, two lobby cards were added, playing cards were placed at six places, and everything was matted and framed.

The minimum bid was $2,500, and only three bids were placed, but the winning one was for $6,250. Now that’s the way to do it.

 

14K Gold Bulova Wristwatch with “EP” Engraved on the Reverse:

 

Elvis Presley Owned 14K Gold Bulova Wristwatch with “EP” Engraved on the Reverse

Bulova was founded in 1875 and reincorporated in 1923 as Bulova Watch Company before being sold to Citizen in 2007, an American manufacturer with a Swiss-made line that was formerly known as Bulova Accutron. Elvis owned several models of the Bulova Accutron and one of its earliest designs dating back to the early 1960s is the model 521 TV 214 being offered. Accutron was first sold in 1960 and was known for the technological advancement of the use of a 360 hertz tuning fork rather than a balance wheel as its timekeeping element. This tuning fork was powered by a transistor circuit and as such could be considered the first electronic watch. This mechanization was the forerunner of the modern quartz watch and could be identified by the humming rather than ticking sound that was emitted from the timepiece.

“The early 521 TV 214 MO model with 14-karat gold filled case was unique in that it was the only model in the 214 series range that contained a mineral glass crystal and a snap-on back. In addition, the back case contained the battery port as well as an easy time setting mechanism.

“The offered handsome example exhibits “ACCUTRON” just below the “12” on its face, with the reverse stamped BULOVA 14K. Also on the reverse is a large “EP” engraved in ornate letters.

Elvis Presley - EP engraved on Bulova Watch

“The watch, with gold-colored metal wristband, comes with a letter from Jimmy Velvet’s Elvis Presley Museum that reads, in part, “This Bulova Accutron 14K, gold watch, ser. #138402, was the personal property of Elvis Presley which he gave to his bodyguard and wardrobe manager, Marty Lacker, and was on display in the Elvis Presley Museum for several years.”

“Elvis appreciated technology and adored accessorizing, making this advanced timepiece the perfect addition to his personal collection, and while perhaps the earliest model, it was not the only Bulova Accutron he would own in his lifetime. The watch face measures 1 1/4 by 1 1/4 inches. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

 

The estimate on this watch was dead on – $8,000 – $10,000. The winning bid was $9,000 plus the 25% buyer’s fee equals $11,250. All bid prices in this report include the 25%.

 

1942 Beretta Model M1934 9mm Pistol – General Omar Bradley Owned, Gifted to Elvis Presley, Later Gifted to Girlfriend Barbara Leigh:

 

With apologies to the Graceland Auction folks, I have deleted some of the background info on Beretta pistols and Gen. Omar Bradley’s career. Blog rules tell us readers will lose interest if we post long blocks of text.

 

Elvis Presley - 1942 Beretta Model M1934 9mm Corto Caliber Pistol

Beretta has a history of firearms manufacture dating back to 1526, however it was 1915 when Beretta supplied the military needs of World War I that the company made its first pistol. The model M1934 was its most popular pistol in the World War II era and became the standard issue to the Italian armed forces. The model 1934 is a semi-automatic pistol with relatively few parts and a simple slot at the top for ejection, making it easy to maintain.

“The offered gun contains several engravings and embellishments. The ornate “PB” Beretta logo is on both grips, and the serial number “935204” is on both the frame and the action of the weapon.

“This prime example was a gift to Elvis from General Omar Bradley, a friend and neighbor in Beverly Hills, likely on December 9, 1970. Elvis had the utmost respect and admiration for the general and had just days earlier on December 4 presented the general with a Christmas gift of a 24-karat gold engraved Colt M1911 pistol, which he likely purchased the day before during a gun-buying binge at Kerr’s Sporting Goods.

“General Omar Nelson Bradley was our nation’s final Five-Star General. The list of other Five-Star Generals includes Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower and no less than George Washington himself. General Bradley was also the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“During World War II, he oversaw the first American airborne division followed by his first front-line command in Operation Torch serving under General Patton in North Africa. Bradley then commanded corps in the Allied invasion of Sicily.

“The pistol’s date of manufacture very well could indicate that the gun was acquired by General Bradley during the Operation Husky maneuver, when Sicily was secured by WWII Allied forces in 1943, an operation in which he was intimately involved. Further supporting this theory is that it makes a certain amount of sense that the General would have wanted to return Elvis’ gesture of gifting him such a significant presentation weapon by gifting Elvis a pistol with its own degree of significance. A pistol he acquired during one of the most important operations in WWII would qualify.

“This pistol represents not only a moment in history that changed the fate of the world, but it also embodies the affection of two famous men in very different fields who maintained a friendship based on mutual respect and admiration.”

 

Barbara Leigh and Elvis Presley

Barbara Leigh was Elvis’ girlfriend for a short while in 1970. Surprisingly, Elvis gave the pistol to her.  I can’t figure out why he would do that.  How do you like the shirt he’s wearing in this picture?

 

The highly esteemed Beretta had a pricey minimum of $25,000 and topped out at $51,250.

 

Signed 1970 International Hotel Summer Festival Souvenir Concert Menu:

Elvis Presley - Signed 1970 International Hotel Summer Festival Souvenir Concert Menu

“Elvis redefined what it meant to play Las Vegas once he hit the stage at the International Hotel on July 31, 1969. After nearly a decade of focusing on movies, he came back with a vengeance, and between 1969 and 1976 performed more than 600 sold-out shows.

“The International Hotel recognized the selling power of the super star and placed his image on every conceivable item, including the dinner menus, which have become one of the most popular artifacts from the era among collectors. The menus varied in size and style throughout the period. Offered is a signed and inscribed menu from the 1970 International Hotel, August 10 – September 8 shows, with Elvis gazing towards the heavens as he is showering his audience with melodic tunes.

“This fine example is signed and inscribed, “To Sadie and Henry with Love and Respect Elvis Presley” on the menu’s cover. There is a large selection of adult beverages on the interior left page beneath a pink “Summer Festival” banner. The back sports a full-color advertisement for Elvis’ box set Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Vol. I. One of the most sought-after menus, this exemplar is even more desirable with the touching, strong and bold inscription on the front. The menu measures 11 by 8 1/2 inches and is accompanied by a letter from Rich Consola as well as a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

The minimum bid was $1,500, which seems reasonable, but 20 bids later, the price topped out at $5,000

 

Hillcrest Home Walnut Desk and Chair:

Elvis Presley - Hillcrest Home Walnut Desk and Chair

“The house at 1174 Hillcrest Drive in the luxurious Trousdale Estates was purchased by Elvis in 1967 for $400,000. The French Regency style home, designed by architect Rex Lotery, was originally built in 1958. The 5,367-square-foot home had four bedrooms and five bathrooms, and featured entry gates, stone and brick decor and a swimming pool, all with panoramic views of both the city and the ocean.

“It was a paradise that Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie enjoyed during their time in California until the home was sold in 1973. On September 14, 1980 an auction was conducted by Don B. Smith Auction Company of the personal property previously owned by Elvis and Priscilla Presley from their former home at 1174 Hillcrest Road in Beverly Hills.

“Throughout his career, Elvis focused on what he did best, entertaining fans, while the Colonel and Vernon were in charge of managing both his professional and personal business. However, Elvis still maintained his own personal offices at his various residences so that he too could “take care of business.” Offered is the large executive walnut desk and green chair that Elvis used in his Beverly Hills home, which was offered in this 1980 auction by the then-owner of the Hillcrest property. The desk and chair come with a plethora of documentation, including a copy of the cover of the auction catalog, a copy of the page listing for the desk that includes an image (one of the few items pictured in the catalog), and two letters from Jimmy Velvet. The letters are similar—one states in part:

“This walnut desk and green executive chair was owned and used by Elvis Presley at his home at 1174 Hillcrest Drive – Trousdale Estates – Beverly Hills, California.”

Elvis Presley Hillcrest Home - Auction Catelog

 

“When Elvis sold the house he left all of the furnishings. The woman who purchased the house sold the furnishings at auction in Hollywood at the Paladium [sic] on Sunset Boulevard. The Elvis Presley Museum purchased the desk & chair at the auction conducted by Don B. Smith Auction Co. of Memphis, Tennessee. It has been in the Elvis Museum for the past 15 years.

Elvis Presley - List of Auction Items From Hillcrest Home

 

“This large desk, fit for a king, measures 29 (H) by 82 (L) by 38 (W) inches, the green fabric and vinyl chair measures 49 (H) by 28 (L) by 26 (W) inches, and the pair are accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

 

How about Elvis selling the place, moving out, and leaving all that stuff behind?

The estimate on this desk and chair was dead on at $5,000 – $7,000. It sold for $6,875.

 

Turquoise and Silver Statement Necklace Gifted to J.D. Sumner:

Elvis Presley - Turquoise and Silver Statement Necklace Gifted to J.D. Sumner

“Turquoise is an ancient gem that is thought to guarantee health, good fortune and protection from evil, and has been used frequently by Native American tribes for various adornments. The word “turquoise” comes from the French word “turquois,” meaning “Turkish,” likely because the stone first arrived in Europe from Turkey. In the west, Native Americans often used the stones for trade, in ceremony and to embellish jewelry.

“As Native American turquoise jewelry rose in popularity in the 1970s, Elvis often used the stones to enhance his jumpsuits, belts and jewelry. Elvis enjoyed wearing flamboyant accessories containing the stone and the offered necklace is an ideal example of his elaborate style. The necklace has 12 silver figures, each with 6 turquoise stones adorning both sides of the double-stranded chain from which a large center circular pendant with three additional figures hangs.

“The statement necklace was owned and worn by Elvis before gifting it to J.D. Sumner, with whom Elvis enjoyed a close relationship. J.D. Sumner was the leader of The Stamps Quartet, the backup singing group for Elvis in the 1970s. As a result of their special bond, J.D. Sumner was the recipient of Elvis’ generosity on many occasions, and this beautiful turquoise and sterling silver necklace is a fine example.

“The necklace comes with a letter signed by J.D. Sumner that states, “Sold to Chris Tassone for the sum of $5,000.00 US from J.D. Sumner a collection of Native jewelry that once belonged to Elvis Presley and given to me J.D. Sumner as a gift from Elvis Presley in early 1970’s. Three pieces are #1. Hand made Native silver and turquoise necklace. #2 Hand made Native silver and turquoise bracelet. #3 Hand made Native silver and turquoise leather belt.” Also included is a letter from Mr. Tassone describing his acquisition of these items from J.D. Sumner in 1987, in Florida during a recording session.

Elvis Wearing Necklace

“The necklace and letters come with a modern print of a photo showing Elvis wearing what appears to be this necklace and wearing it well. A small “TCB” has been scratched on the reverse of the central pendant. The intricate and ornate chain measures 31 inches in length and the necklace’s pendant measures 4 by 4 inches. The necklace is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

 

This outstanding necklace went for $13,750, and the inclusion of a photo showing Elvis wearing it no doubt added to its value.

 

Stage-Used Black Binder That Held Song Lyric Sheets:

Elvis Presley - Stage-Used Black Binder That Held Song Lyric Sheets

 

“There were several constants one could expect to see at Elvis shows during his tours in the 1970s. Souvenir scarves were a popular staple, as were the backstage cloth passes that the entourage and tour members would wear at the various venues during the tours as a means of security access. The third was the offered black binder/folio that was used during each of Elvis’ concerts to hold song lyric sheets and could often be spotted on stage with the King.

Elvis in Front of Sond Lyrics Binder

“Charlie Hodge functioned as Elvis’ stage manager and was not only the one who replaced the scarves that Elvis took from around his neck to give to eager fans, but also responsible for maintaining the folio with the lyric sheets that Elvis might wish to refer to during a performance. The binder often appeared on stage throughout the shows. Sometimes Elvis would simply use the lyric sheets as props during the performance since reading them was difficult under the stage spotlights.

“As keeper of the binder, Charlie would affix his own backstage passes to the outside of the vinyl folio and these stickers can be spotted in several of the four modern prints of photos that come with the lot showing Elvis on stage with this very binder. Several of the backstage pass stickers on the binder can be clearly seen in their precise positions.

“A true stage-used treasure, this binder is also accompanied by an affidavit from Elvis’ bodyguard Dick Grob which recounts in detail how the song lyrics were kept inside and how Elvis used the binder on stage at nearly every concert for years. He further tells how after Elvis’ passing he was charged by Vernon Presley with cleaning out the Lisa Marie. The binder was found with several other items, all of which were given to Dick Grob by Vernon Presley. The binder measures 14 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

 

How about Vernon giving Dick Grob a treasure trove of Elvis belongings. They’ve been showing up at Elvis auctions for decades. The price of this binder has now reached $6,875. I think the photo of it with Elvis beefed up the value.

 

RIAA Double Platinum Record Award for 1973 LP Aloha From Hawaii – Awarded in 1988:

RIAA Double Platinum Record Award for Elvis Presley’s 1973 LP Aloha From Hawaii - Awarded in 1988

“Colonel Parker called it the “first entertainment special to be broadcast live around the world.” Elvis’ “Aloha from Hawaii” concert was broadcast via satellite on January 14, 1973 from the Honolulu International Center, and it’s believed that over 1 billion fans viewed the concert worldwide. Fans from around the globe watched as the singing phenomenon took the stage and said “Aloha” to the world.

“The famed concert aired via satellite in over 40 countries in Europe and Asia (airing at a later date in the U.S.) and was the most expensive entertainment special of its time, costing approximately $2.5 million to produce. Shortly after this special aired, RCA released a double album of this celebrated concert that contained 30 songs and was an immediate, massive hit, as Elvis sang every song with the passion and energy only the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll could produce.

“The album, released in February 1973, reached number one on the Billboard charts and was only the second two-disc set of Elvis’ career. The album was certified Gold on February 13, 1973, Platinum and 2x Platinum on May 20, 1988, 3x Platinum on July 15, 1999 and 5x Platinum on August 1, 2002 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

“Offered is a multi-Platinum award issued in 1988 that features two platinum-colored records above two platinum-colored cassette tapes flanking a center plaque that reads, “Presented to ELVIS PRESLEY to commemorate the sale of more than 2,000,000 copies of the RCA RECORDS album and cassette ‘ALOHA FROM HAWAII VIA SATELLITE.’” The award bears a hologram RIAA logo and the display is set against a black background. The album dominated the charts and sold half a million copies in only four weeks. The framed award measures 19 by 21 inches and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.”

 

I’ve seen a few record awards with two discs before, but never combined with two cassette tapes. This plaque greatly exceeded the minimum bid and went for $5,500.

 

Weren’t those item descriptions by Graceland Auctions great? They had to do tons of research to be able to come up with the same thing for all 206 items in the auction. I can’t wait to do a post with more items from this auction. There were enough rings to do a report on just them.

 

Photos and text used by permission, copyright 2018 GracelandAuctions.com

 

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

Elvis Goodies from the Fuzzy Room – Part 3

Fred Flintstone Elvis T-shirt - Back

You readers are the best. I’m so pleased by your support helping me find new homes for the Elvis stuff I’ve collected for decades and displayed in my Fuzzy Room.

Jungle Tree Fuzzy Room

You’ve snapped up every item I offered for sale. So, now it’s time to look at some new Elvis goodies.

Please Note: The prices quoted are for delivery to USA destinations only. Postal rates to other countries are just prohibitive. Sorry.

 

Fred Flintstone / Elvis T-shirt:

Editor’s note:  This item has been sold.

Fred Flintstone - Elvis T-shirt

I’ll bet you’ve never seen this outstanding two-sided T-shirt before. I did an extensive internet search and could find just one. It was for sale at $25 plus postage. Mine is gently worn, so I will cut that price in half and sell it for $15 delivered. Size XL. Wear this on your trip to Graceland and you’ll catch the attention of lots of other fans.

 

1,000 Piece Elvis Puzzle:

Editor’s Note:  This item has now been sold.

 

Elvis Puzzle

If you like puzzles as much as you like Elvis, this is for you. There are a lot of used versions of this available on line, but what I am offering is unopened. The picture above is the cover of the box. Here is a bigger picture of the puzzle, which measures 18 x 28 when completed.

Elvis Legends Puzzle

Prices for the unopened puzzles online range from $25 to $37 plus freight. Here’s a deal – $17 delivered.

 

Set of Five M&M Elvis Figurines:

Editor’s Note: This item has now been sold.

 

M&M Elvis

The M&M people did a good job with the iconic Elvis outfits on these 3” tall resin figurines. There are white and blue jumpsuits, gold lamé suit, ’68 Special black leather, and Aloha from Hawaii flowered shirt. All but the one in the blue jumpsuit were originally part of a set. I added one more because I liked these little guys so much. They do tip over fairly easily, so I added a spot of glue on their soles to keep them steady on the woodgrain panel you see. I have popped them off for shipping, but it’s so simple to put them back.

I looked all over the internet and found one, two, and three piece offerings, but not the original four-piece set I bought. Strange. The consensus price for one was $10 plus postage, so let’s see if a price of $20 for all five delivered works for somebody. I probably should go on line and see what the M&M collectors would bid, but these guys should go to an Elvis fan. They are so cool.

 

Elvis 29¢ Stamp Beach Towel:

Editor’s note:  This item has been sold.

Elvis Stamp Beach Towel

This big beauty measures 31” x 56”. It has had very little use and still looks great. I found another one online for $15 including postage, so I’ll offer this one at $12 delivered.

 

Elvis 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition:

Editor’s Note:  Three copies of this have been sold, but I have two more.

30th Anniversary Issue

This 64 page high-quality publication was a big seller at Elvis Week 2007. I was at the tables for four days selling it and other items associated with Elvis The Magazine. I am also listed as a Contributing Editor in it, although it contains none of my work.

What it does contain is a treasure of information, recollections, and full-page photos.

Elvis…30 Year Timeline: This is a year-by-year account of everything concerning Elvis that occurred from 1978 to 2007. I’ve never seen this done before, and it is most interesting.

Conversations and Memories: I love this section, especially the folks whose comments about Elvis haven’t shown up a lot in other media. Here’s the list:

Bernard Lansky
DJ Fontana
Frank Paige (announcer at the Louisiana Hayride)
Janelle McComb
Joe Esposito
Sam Phillips
Johnny Black ( Bill Black’s brother)
Joe Moscheo (Imperials Quartet)
Millie Kirkham
Don Siegel (director, Flaming Star)
Marian Cocke
Don Robertson (songwriter)
Ben Weisman (songwriter)
Harold Lloyd (jeweler)
Anita Wood
Jimmy velvet
Scotty Moore
Johnny Cash
June Juanico
Eddie Fadal
Neal Mathews (Jordanaires)
Gordon Stoker (Jordanaires)
Ray Walker (Jordanaires)
Ira Jones (Elvis’ Army Sargent)
Red West
Charlie Hodge

Collecting the King – Thirty Decade of Elvis Conventions: This article by expert Robert Alaniz has a few surprises.

Elvis Presley Fan Clubs: A listing of 37 domestic and international.

Origins of Elvis Week: Good article, but I wish it was longer.

26 full-page photographs, some you haven’t seen elsewhere:

 

This collector’s item originally sold for $19.95. It can be yours for $10 delivered.

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Elvis Rubix Cube:

Editor’s Note: This item has now been sold.

 

Actually, this cube is considerably simpler than the original Rubix. You won’t have any trouble getting it opened and maneuvered into twelve Elvis photos:

Blue Suede Shoes
Teddy Bear
Jailhouse Rock
Hound Dog
Don’t be Cruel
Thank you, thank you very much
G.I. Blues (above)
Shake Rattle and Roll (above)
Burnin’ Love
Lonely Street
Blue Hawaii
Heartbreak Hotel.

Elvis Rubix Cube

It’s 3” in each direction, a fun little fidget. I found it online at $7.50 plus another $7.50 postage. I think somebody is padding the postage a bit here. How about $9 delivered?

Jailhouse Rock

Blue Hawaii

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Elvis Pins, Magnets, and Key Chain:

Editor’s note:  This item has been sold.

 

Elvis Pins, Magnets, and Key Chain

Here’s a nice set of little Elvis collectibles. There are three refrigerator magnets – Elvis with a guitar, Elvis and Nixon, and a really nifty mini-45 gold record that says Love Me Tender. The Elvis stamp makes its second appearance here on a keychain. And there are two pins, one with a photo and the other with a drawing. How about the whole package for $12 delivered?

 

Pay Now with PayPal Button.

If you want an item, send me an email at philarnold@charter.net. (Do not notify me of your interest on Comments.) As usual, first come, first served. I would prefer payment using PayPal, but checks will work, too. When I get your email, I will initiate billing on PayPal. You approve it, and I send the item right out to you. With a check, it’ll take a little longer.

Thanks for your support.

Phil Arnold

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

Elvis’ Fabulous Wardrobe – Part 7

Elvis' Suzy Cream Cheese Two-Tone Brown Suede Fringed Jacket - Back

Sadly, only one of the last four Graceland Auctions offered more than a minimal selection of Elvis’ wardrobe. Here are the two items offered on Jan 6, 2018 during the Elvis Birthday Week celebration.

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1970s Leather Jacket:

Elvis' Leather Jacket He Gave to Bodyguard Dave Hebler

 

The auction website says, “Leather jackets have always been synonymous with the kind of cool of which Elvis Presley certainly had no shortage.”

This light brown leather coat with three-button front closure and two side pockets was one of several that Elvis owned in various colors. A manufacturer’s tag at the back collar states, “Genuine Leather / by Grais / Made in U.S.A.” Rubin Grais was an immigrant shoe maker from Russia who came to the U.S. and adapted his skills to create one of the iconic leather manufacturers of the ’40s and ’50s.

Grais Label

Elvis gave this coat to his bodyguard, Dave Hebler, who worked for him from 1972 to 1976. A Letter of Authenticity from Hebler states,

“One day Elvis invited me upstairs to his bedroom at Graceland and offered me all of his jumpsuits. He complained that they no longer fit him and that he wanted them out of his closet. I told him I had no use for his jumpsuits nor did I have the ability to store them at my apartment. I then moved a majority of the jumpsuits to the shed at the back of Graceland. I did receive several jackets including this brown leather jacket. Elvis had several of these.”

Perhaps because there was no accompanying photo of Elvis wearing the coat, the auction had an estimate of $3 – 4,000, which seemed pretty cheap to me. Somebody picked up a good deal at $2,875 including the auction surcharge.

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Signed Shirt from Elvis’ Personal Wardrobe:

Signed Shirt from Elvis' Personal Wardrobe Provided as the Grand Prize in a 1973 Boy Scout Raffle

 

Besides being a typically cool Elvis shirt, this one has an interesting history. The green shirt has gold buttons down the front and gold stars across the chest and on the collar and cuffs.

Elvis was well-known for his generosity and philanthropy, which became a long-standing tradition. A good example is Elvis donating this shirt to Memphis Boy Scout Troop #225 to raise money for their Jamboree Trip Fund. Tickets were printed for the raffle and each sold for a donation of 50 cents.

Announcement on Elvis' Donated Shirt

 

Harold A. Smith purchased this ticket in 1973 and was the lucky winner. Harold’s wife Shirley, who was a part-time nurse at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, took the shirt to work when Elvis was there as a patient and was able to get his autograph on the lower left front side.

Elvis' Signed Shirt

 

Smith had the shirt framed, and it hung in his KOA campground office as a big attraction until he sold the campground in 1984.

Although there is no picture of Elvis wearing the shirt, it is stamped “Elvis” in the collar, and the lot includes the winning ticket and a Memphis Press-Semiter newspaper article about Elvis’ donation to the Boy Scout troop. However, it is the autograph that made it a highly prized Elvis double collectible. The minimum starting price was $8,000, and the winning bid was $11,250.

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Now, I would like to take a look at Elvis’ clothing items from the Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction held earlier this month.

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Paisley Shirt:

Elvis Presley's Paisley Shirt 1

 

Elvis purchased a lot of clothing from IC Costume Co. including this orange and blue paisley long sleeved, button down shirt. Elvis gave the shirt to his Aunt Delta in the 1970’s. There is no accompanying photo of Elvis wearing the shirt, but it does come with a letter of provenance from Aunt Delta. The estimate was $4 – 6,000, and it went for $3,993.

 

Green Suede Pullover Top:

Elvis' Pullover Top

 

Elvis’ personally owned and worn custom green suede pullover top with the Anton, Beverly Hills label and his initials “EP” sewn on as labels. Elvis gifted this shirt and many other articles of clothing to his close friend Charlie Hodge. Like the preceding shirt, the estimate was $4 – 6,000, and it went for $3,993.

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Black Faux Fur Pants:

Elvis' Black Faux Fur Pants

 

These unusual pants also came from the IC Costume Company. Elvis seemingly gave away his clothing to everybody, this time to his uncle Vester Presley (Vernon’s brother) one day when he was cleaning out his closets. For some reason, the minimum bid was only $2,000, but six bids pushed the winning number up to $4,290. Too bad they didn’t come up with a photo of Elvis wearing faux fur pants.

 

Paisley Shirt:

 

The facts are the same on this red and blue paisley long sleeved shirt as the previous one – made by IC Costume Co, given to his Aunt Delta, and an estimate of $4 – 6,000. However, it sold for $3,300, which is $693 less. I can’t figure out why they weren’t valued the same.

 

 

From this point on, we will look at something I’ve never seen before at auctions of Elvis’ wardrobe – six NO BIDS.

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Pale Blue Balloon-Sleeved Shirt:

Elvis' Pale Blue Balloon-Sleeved Shirt

 

First we have another Elvis owned and worn IC Costume Co. shirt with pale blue balloon-sleeves and large pointed collar. Elvis gave the shirt to his close friend and valet Richard Davis. It seems like stuff Elvis gave to Davis has been showing up at auctions for a decade. I wonder when the supply will run out. The minimum bid was only $2,000, but nobody cared to pony up that much. Maybe the shirt was too plain.

 

Stay Away Joe Red Wine Denim Jacket:

Elvis' Red Wine Denim Jacket from Stay Away Joe

 

Elvis wore this red wine colored denim jacket in his film “Stay Away Joe.” It is one of several denim jackets made for Elvis to wear in the film. Elvis gave the jacket to Charlie Hodge who was an extra on the movie. Hodge apparently accumulated a ton of Elvis’ clothing over the years. Also offered were three photographs of Elvis wearing the jacket during filming, such as in the shotgun wedding scene.

Elvis in Stay Away Joe Shotgun Wedding Scene

 

I have always maintained that photos of Elvis wearing an article of clothing enhanced its value to collectors. That must have been the thinking when the minimum bid was set at $8,000 and the estimate at $9 – 12,000. Pretty strong, and it must have scared off potential bidders. Also, this is movie wardrobe, not clothing that Elvis purchased and wore in his personal life.

 

Suzy Cream Cheese Two-Tone Brown Suede Fringed Jacket:

Elvis' Suzy Cream Cheese Two-Tone Brown Suede Fringed Jacket

 

The back of this stunning two-toned brown suede fringed jacket is shown in the first photo of this post. Elvis gave it to his friend Shaun Nielsen, who first met Elvis when he was a back-up singer on his gospel album “How Great Thou Art.” Shaun sang with Elvis until his final show, and one day when they were recording in the Jungle Room at Graceland, Elvis took the members of his band and vocalists upstairs and told them each to pick out something that they liked. This jacket was just one of many items he gave to Nielson. The minimum bid of $7,000 seemed reasonable to me, but not to the bidders.

 

Suede Shearling Coat:

 

Elvis’ personally owned and worn tan suede coat that he purchased from one of his favorite stores, Goldsmith’s in Memphis. Goldsmiths would often open late at night for Elvis so that he could shop privately.

 

Suede Shearling Coat- Elvis Wearing 2

These are two of the three supplied photos of Elvis wearing the coat.

Suede Shearling Coat - Elvis Wearing

Elvis gave this coat to Richard Davis who took care of his wardrobe and eventually became Elvis’ wardrobe manager. With three supporting photos, I thought the minimum bid of $6,000 was reasonable. Shows how much I know. Nobody bid.

 

Blue Track Suit with Red and White Stripes:

Elvis' Blue Track Suit with Red and White Stripes - Both Views

 

Elvis owned and wore this blue track suit with red and white stripes. He wore it at Graceland and when traveling on his plane. Elvis gave the track suit to Aunt Delta.

It does come with a photo, but the auction website says “Comes with a photo of the same track suit, or one virtually the same (I added the italics).” That might have tampered the enthusiasm of the bidders, and surely the minimum bid of $5,000 did.

 

Burgundy Patent Leather Boots:

Elvis' Burgundy Patent Leather Boots

Burgundy patent leather boots that Elvis wore off-stage for his casual every day wear. They ended up with Charlie Hodge who make a surprising statement in his letter of provenance: “Elvis’ shoe size varied from size 10 to 12.5 depending on the make of the shoes or boots.”

Here’s an included photo which the website says shows Elvis wearing the same, or very similar boots. There’s not even much of the boots showing. The estimate was $5 – 7,000, but again no bids.

 

 

Gotta Have Rock and Roll

So, a total of six items of Elvis’ wardrobe drew no bids. I’ve mentioned several possible reasons for this unheard of occurrence. But I think the big problem was that this Gotta Have Rock & Roll auction featured memorabilia from dozens of singers and bands. It probably attracted many bidders with no interest in Elvis.

On the other hand, the Graceland Auctions are 100% Elvis items, and they are scheduled to be part of big events like Elvis Week. My suggestion to the owners of the no-bid items here is to try again at the Graceland Auction in January 2019. With slightly lower minimum bids on the Stay Away Joe jacket and the track suit, I think every one of six items will draw multiple bidders and sell.

 

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

More Elvis Goodies from the Fuzzy Room

Jungle Tree Fuzzy Room

When I offered a few Elvis items for sale four weeks ago, I had no idea whether it would work or not. Actually, it worked out very well, with most items getting spoken for within hours after posting the sale.

For those of you who missed it, the Jungle Tree Fuzzy Room is where all my Elvis stuff is lovingly displayed (or at least stored). But I am facing a scaling-down to a smaller home, and there won’t be any space for all my Elvis mementos. So, I am offering them to you ElvisBlog readers for really good prices.

Please keep in mind that these prices are for shipment to U.S. destinations only.  Postage to other countries is so high that it makes the costs prohibitive.  I wish I could negotiate special rates like Amazon has done, but that’s a pipe dream.

 

Elvis Presley Doll – “The Sun Never Sets on a Legend”

 

Editor’s note: This item has been sold.

 

Elvis Presley - The Sun Never Sets on a Legend

This is a 12” Elvis doll with 15” tall packaging that looks like a showcase. It has decorative musical notes as a backdrop, as well as a unique design and shape – the plastic window front side is curved, which allows for more of the doll and interior contents be viewed while on display. Elvis is on a stand that resembles a stage platform on top of which he is performing.

This is one of a 1993 three-part Hasbro “Elvis Presley – The Sun Never Sets on a Legend” commemorative collection. There is great attention to detail – from Elvis’ red jacket, black pants, and white shoes, to the beautifully detailed guitar. Even the black plastic top and bottom insert sections of the box contain Elvis’ facsimile autograph.

Elvis Presley - The Sun Never Sets on a Legend - Back

Back of the packaging

I have never opened it up to see the numbered Certificate of Authenticity, so I guess I can say it is in mint condition. However, it was frustrating not to be able to see (or play) the bonus 45rpm record inside of Elvis singing “Jailhouse Rock.”

Elvis Presley - The Sun Never Sets on a Legend - eBay Offers

I checked out eBay to see what this was going for. The lowest I found was this one for $38 delivered. The two lower prices above were for used ones, and the cheapest also had $13 postage. So, I will make this a bargain by pricing it at $28 delivered.

If you want this “Jailhouse Rock” doll, please send me an email at philarnold@charter.net, and I will reserve it for you and add a note to this post that it is sold.

 

Deck of Elvis Playing Cards with 54 Alfred Wertheimer Photos:

Editor’s note:  This item has been sold.

 

Elvis - Al Wertheimer Playing Cards

There are some other Elvis playing cards out there, but this deck with a different Al Wertheimer photo on each card is the most desirable to me. I’ve opened the box up twice to look at the pictures, so the cards are in perfect shape.

Elvis Playing Cards Alfred Wertheimer - back

Back of deck box

I found a few of these Elvis card decks listed on eBay with delivered prices ranging from $8-11. I can do $7 delivered, but I’m afraid the postage that I cover will eat up a good chunk of that. I did a crummy job of estimating what the postage would be on that first round of goodies, and these cards are heavy.

 

Wackel-Elvis Hanging Figure:

Wackel Elvis - in box

You may ask (as I did) what is a Wankel-Elvis? Here is a pretty interesting story from Wikipedia:

Wackel-Elvis (German pronunciation: vakəlˈɛlvɪs, “Wobbly Elvis”) is a 6 inches tall, hanging dashboard figure designed to resemble Elvis Presley. A prototype of the figure was first introduced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi in a series of television commercials which were broadcast in several European countries. The commercials were produced in 2001 to promote Audi’s new continuously variable “multitronic” transmission. Due to a high demand by Elvis fans after publication of the commercials, 15,000 Wackel-Elvis figures were produced and sold at the Audi factory outlet store.

The Wackel-Elvis figure is suspended from an elastic band connected to a suction cup attached to the windshield or rear window of a vehicle. The waist and left shoulder of the figure are equipped with flexible metal spring joints. The design prompts the figure to swing its hips, pivot around its vertical axis and shake its left arm up and down while the vehicle is in motion, creating an effect that resembles Elvis Presley performing on stage.

 

Wackel-Elvis at Graceland

Some clever fan had a Wankel-Elvis hanging from their dashboard when they took this photo with the Graceland wall in the background.

The best price I found for this (still in the box) was $24.99 plus $5.02 postage. So I think it’s a pretty good deal at $17 postage included.

 

Gray-haired Wankel Elvis

Editor’s note: This item has been sold.  The white jumpsuit model is still available.

 

If you don’t care about the box because you would want to hang Elvis in your car, anyway, here’s a deal for you. This alternate design can be yours for $10. When you send me an email at philarnold@charter.net be clear about which Wankel-Elvis you want.

 

Bubba Ho-Tep Limited Edition DVD:

 

Editor’s note:  This item has been sold.

 

Bubba Ho-Tep Limited Edition

If you are a bit unclear on what Bubba Ho-Tep is all about, take a minute and read this article I posted on ElvisBlog in 2008. Or perhaps the original video cover will jog your memory.

Bubba Ho-Tep DVD Cover

Here is a synopsis of the story from Amazon.com:

Mud Creek, Texas, is about to get all shook up. When mysterious deaths plague the Shady Rest retirement home, it’s up to an aging, cantankerous “Elvis” (Bruce Campbell) and a decrepit and black “JFK” (Ossie Davis) to defeat a 3,000-year-old-Egyptian mummy with a penchant for sucking human souls! Can the King show the world that he can still take care of business?

Don Coscarelli directs and Bruce Campbell stars as the King of Camp in this intentionally over-the-top schlockfest. Bubba Ho-Tep is partially about Elvis Presley and partially about the title character, an Egyptian cowboy zombie, but mostly it is about camp. The movie is equal parts story and back story. We learn through narration and flashback how Elvis didn’t really die, ending up instead in a rest home in East Texas with JFK who says he was dyed black and had his brain removed, presumably for reasons of national security.

Campbell and Davis realize that something strange is going on when their rest-home compatriots start dropping off suspiciously. The whole movie leads up to a final showdown to the death with the Egyptian cowboy zombie who has been killing fellow residents because he thought no one would notice. The movie unfolds a bit slowly; it is, after all, a geriatrics-fight-Egyptian-cowboy-zombie movie. In the end, though, Campbell is flawless as the aged King; his accent, intonations, glasses, and trademark karate are at the same time sincere and over the top.

Ok, so this is nifty movie, and it has some interesting history according to Wikipedia:

Originally the film was “roadshowed” by the director across the country. Only 32 prints were made and he circulated them around various film festivals, and garnered critical success. By the time it was released on DVD, it had already achieved cult status due to positive reviews, lack of access, and similar on-the-road hard work by Campbell. While the film revolves around an ancient Egyptian mummy terrorizing a retirement home, Bubba Ho-Tep also deals with the deeper theme of aging and growing old in a culture that values only the young.

You might be wondering what’s with the jumpsuit looking thing wrapped around the DVD case.

Bubba Ho-Tep Jumpsuit Shirt

It’s a nicely done mini-jumpsuit shirt that is one of many special features offered in this “Limited Edition. The others include:

Audio Commentary by director Don Coscarelli and star Bruce Campbell
Audio commentary by “The King”
Joe R. Lansdale reads from Bubba Ho-Tep
Deleted scenes with commentary by Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell
The making of Bubba Ho-Tep
Fit For a King – Elvis Costume Featurette
Rock Like an Egyptian – The music of Bubba Ho-Tep
Music video
Photo Gallery
Original theatrical trailer

I also searched for this item on the internet to see what other folks are selling it for. The cheapest I found was $24.92 plus freight. I think you will be very happy if you snap up this Limited Edition Bubba Ho-Tep for $20 delivered.

 

Elvis Salt and Pepper Shakers:

Editor’s note:  This item has sold.  They must be really rare, because several folks have wanted to buy them.

 

Elvis Salt and Pepper Shakers

This is a very cool set. The color of both shakers is actually the same; there was light coming from a window on the left side that makes them look different.

They feature a very popular silhouette of 50s Elvis shaking his hips at the mic, and I think this is the best usage of it I have seen.

I looked all over the internet to find what other folks are asking for this set. I could not find even one posted for sale, so I guess it is pretty rare. It can be yours for $15, postage included.

 

Elvis “All Shook Up” Sugar Shaker:

Editor’s note:  This item Has been sold.

 

Elvis 50s Sugar Shaker

Here’s another 50s Elvis image put to good use. Doesn’t this remind you of the sugar shakers they had in the diners back when you were a teenager? This thing is pretty heavy, so the delivered price for it is $9.

 

 

Last time, some folks replied in Comments that they wished to purchase an item. It really works better if you just email me at philarnold@charter.net. I check email much more frequently than Comments, so I can mark an item as sold right after I hear from you.

In your email, indicate whether you wish to use your PayPal account or a personal check to pay. I don’t yet have a PayPal button that businesses use, just a personal account like you do.

Pay Now with PayPal Button.

Sample only

So, when I reply to your email and confirm your purchase, I will initiate a PayPal invoice.  You get an email notification that you confirm, and the money is transferred.

So, please go back and look over the items and see if there’s anything you would like to have.

I really appreciate your support,

Phil Arnold

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis’ Fabulous Cufflinks

Elvis' costume tiger eye cufflinks - Left at Vernon's Home

If you entered an Elvis trivia contest and the question was, “Who was Elvis’ Doctor?” what would you answer? Probably “Dr. Nick,” or perhaps his full name “Dr. George Nichopoulus.

Dr Nick and Elvis

You would be right, because from 1970 until 1977, he pretty much worked full time as Elvis’ personal doctor in Memphis. He often was part of the travelling party when Elvis went on tour. Elvis gave him a yellow Cadillac and lots of other stuff and loaned him money to invest in business ventures.

 

However, when Elvis was in Las Vegas, he relied on a different doctor – Dr. Elias Ghanem

Dr. Elias Ghanem and Elvis

His story is almost as interesting as Dr. Nick’s. Here are a few paragraphs from a March 1976 article in People Magazine:

“Elias Ghanem’s life is the fascinating stuff movies are made of…. Ghanem is a Palestinian immigrant who became a doctor and worked at Los Angeles County Hospital until he realized he had more important things to do. He set out for a place where people were desperate for medical help, Las Vegas.

“There he met a princely entertainer with a frog in his throat, removed same – and thus began to acquire a reputation as physician to the stars. Before long he had a Stutz Bearcat, a fleet of jets, flashy jewelry and a mirrored canopy over his bed. He went around saying things like ‘Fast cars and beautiful women are my hobbies’. ‘He owned real estate and restaurants. He was divorced.

“… The Vegas headliner Dr. Ghanem treated to get his start in showbiz medicine actually was Elvis Presley. But it would not be difficult to cast an entire movie from Ghanem’s roster of patients. In not quite five years in Las Vegas, Ghanem, 37, has treated Tom Jones, Liberace, Ann-Margret, Johnny Cash, Raquel Welch, Bill Cosby, Glen Campbell and Roy Clark, among others. ‘They always get sore throats’, Ghanem says. ‘We call it Vegas throat’.

“Swabbing talented throats may not win Nobel prizes, but the victims tend to be very grateful. Presley alone has lavished upon Ghanem the $32,000 Stutz, a Mercedes, two watches, a $60,000 diamond ring and a gold medallion inscribed ‘TCB’. (‘Elvis’ people say this stands for ‘Take care of business’, ‘Ghanem chortles’. I say it stands for ‘Take care of broads’.”

 

Dr. Elias Ghanem - Older

 

I had never heard of Elias Ghanem until he was mentioned as the former owner of an Elvis ring in the January 6, 2018 Auction at Graceland.

Jan 2018 Auction at Graceland14k Lavender Jade Diamond Ring Upright (1)

This 14-karat gold nugget-style ring has a center oval lavender jade stone surrounded by 22 diamonds each measuring 0.25 carat. It sold for $10,000. Here is what the auction website had to say about the man Elvis gave the ring to:

“Elvis restarted his concert career performing routinely at the Hilton in Vegas, and it was during this period in 1972 that he met Israeli-born Dr. Elias Ghanem, who initially treated him for throat maladies. The two became friends, with Elvis staying at Dr. Ghanem’s home in the Las Vegas County Club for days at a time. As he did for many close friends, Elvis gave Dr. Ghanem a plethora of gifts over the years.”

The website also offered this letter from Dr. Ghanem’s wife:

List of Jewelry Elvis left at De. Elias Ghanem's House - Cropped

Wow, what a list. Elvis was both extremely generous to his doctor buddy and very careless about leaving jewelry in Dr. Ghanem’s guest room. The list includes thirteen rings, one bracelet, four pendants (including one TCB), one watch, sixteen pairs of cuff links, and a bunch of other stuff. Because just one ring was included in the Auction at Graceland, I wondered what had happened to everything else. Sold elsewhere? Maybe saved to be sold in the future?

Then, thanks to ElvisBlog reader Alberto Z, I checked out the May 2017 Music Icons Auction at Julien’s. And there I found most of those sixteen Elvis cuff links. Mrs. Ghanem also offered another list covering just the cufflinks. And none were Elvis gifts to her husband. Elvis left them behind in their Las Vegas home. Who travels around with sixteen pairs of cufflinks? I guess Elvis did, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise.

List of Cufflinks Elvis left at De. Elias Ghanem's House - Cropped

 

So, let’s take a look at some of these Elvis cuff links.

A pair of cufflinks by Hickok:

A pair of Elvis Presley cufflinks by Hickok

These cufflinks feature a silver tone metal plaque with a black oxidized “E” and gold tone mesh wraparounds. The cufflinks sold for $5,760

 

Gold Nugget Style Cufflinks:

GOLD NUGGET STYLE CUFFLINKS

These gold tone mesh cufflinks with swivel backs are designed in a gold nugget style with black tablet-cut stones. The they sold for $1,280

 .

Tiger Eye Cufflinks:

ELVIS PRESLEY TIGER EYE CUFFLINKS

These gold tone mesh cufflinks with swivel backs feature a simulated tiger eye tablet-cut stone. They sold for $1,920

 

Black Stone Cufflinks with Wraparound Accent:

BLACK STONE CUFFLINKS WITH WRAPAROUND ACCENT •

These gold tone mesh cufflinks with swivel backs are topped with black faceted stones and simulated diamonds. They sold for $2,240

 

Square CuffLinks with Blue Stones:

quare Cuff links with Blue Stones

These gold tone mesh cufflinks with swivel backs are topped with faceted blue stones. They sold for $3,125

 

YELLOW-Green Stone CuffLinks:

Elvis' YELLOW-GREEN STONE CUFFLINKS

These gold tone mesh cufflinks with large wraparounds are topped with yellow-green faceted stones. They sold for $2,240

 

Faux Gem Cuff Links:

Elvis' FAUX GEM CUFFLINKS

These gold tone mesh cufflinks are topped with faceted aurora borealis stones. They sold for $1,920.

 

Shark Fin style Cufflinks:

Elvis' SHARK FIN STYLE CUFFLINKS

A pair of gold-toned metal cufflinks with molded orange iridescent glass. They sold for $1,024.

 

Globe Cufflinks:

Elvis' Globe Cufflinks

A pair of gold-toned metal with molded domed clear glass with rainbow effect. These cufflinks sold for $576.

 

Green Stone Cufflinks:

Elvis' Green Stone Cufflinks 2

A pair of gold-toned metal cufflinks with molded domed green glass. They sold for $640.

 

ElvisBlog has looked at Elvis’ Fabulous Rings eight times. This is the first post on Elvis’ Fabulous Cufflinks, but something tells me we’ll be doing them again.

 

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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ElvisBlog Mini-Nuggets # 20

Hanging Elvis

I can’t believe it’s been three years since I last posted Elvis Mini-Nuggets. These are always kind of fun. Someday when I retire from ElvisBlog, I might get a Facebook page and do nothing but Elvis Mini-Nuggets. Maybe a new picture every day with comments. I’ve got like a million of them in my files. Anyway, here’s an extra-long mini-nugget post to make up for not having one last weekend.

 

Expressions of Sympathy and Encouragement for My Wife:

Get well wishes from Sweden

After posting a short message about my wife’s lung surgery, twenty-two kind comments came in from ElvisBlog readers. In addition to the one above from Maggie in Sweden, there were also messages from France, England and Canada. My wife and I appreciate all the concern and encouragement from you readers. She is doing okay in a long, slow recovery.

 

International Readers of ElvisBlog:

Top Ten ElvisBlog Countries

Speaking of ElvisBlog readers from different countries, here is the Top Ten. It still freaks me out to realize that only 57% of you readers are from the U.S. If you compare the relative populations of some of these other countries versus the U.S., ElvisBlog is doing really good there.

 

Where’s Elvis?

 

Elvis Army Haircut on Wall in George Jones' Home Barbershop

If you study this picture, you will probably recognize George Jones in the photo top right. This is the room in his Franklin, Tennessee home where he got his haircuts. Look closely at the framed photo to the right of the window. It is Elvis getting his Army haircut. Here’s a bigger view of it.

Elvis Getting His Army haircut.

Alert ElvisBlog reader Chris Iroler spotted the Elvis Army haircut picture while watching a uTube video on Jones’ house: (Click here to see). Chris told me about it in a blog Comment, and he advised to go to 5:56 on the video if I didn’t want to read the whole thing. When George Jones died five years ago, I did a post about the connection between him and Elvis. Click here to read it.

 

More Info on Elvis Birthday Cake Photos:

Elvis Birthday Cake During King Creole 1958

Two weeks ago, I posted six photos of Elvis eating cake. Alert ElvisBlog readers commented with more information on several of them. Like the one above where Diana from Long Island wrote:

“I enjoyed the birthday scrapbook! Re: the one with Dolores Hart- I too always thought it was a birthday cake but recently learned from an authority that it was a movie wrap party after King Creole to say goodbye to Elvis before the army, and the cake had a guitar and soldier peeling potatoes and said We Love Elvis on it.”

 

Elvis Cutting Cake at his 27th Birthday 1962

Sharys Wheeler wrote:

“The picture at the Sahara was of Elvis and Milton Prell, owner of the Sahara and a friend of the Colonel.”

 

Feeding Birthday cake to Priscilla in 1960

Sandy Van Horn wrote:

“About the picture of Elvis giving Priscilla a bite of birthday cake. If the year was 1960, and it was a birthday cake, think it had to be Elvis’ Jan. 8th birthday as he left active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 5, 1960. Believe Priscilla’s birthday is May 24th.”

 

So, How Did the Elvis Auction Go?

You might remember that we looked at a dozen Elvis items that failed to sell in a 1999 auction and seemingly got stuck in storage until the January 6, 2018 Auction at Graceland. I compared the expected prices then and now, and made comments on several of the items. Here’s a look at how things went.

16mm Film and Acetates of Movie Songs from Love Me Tender:

Elvis Presley 16mm Film of Love Me Tender and Acetate

1999 estimate was $5,000-7,000; current was $1,500-2,500. It sold for $5,000. I wonder why it didn’t go the first time.

 

Original Screen Door from Graceland:

Original Screen Door from Gracelsnd

The 2018 estimate was $1,500 – $2,500, and I said, “Sorry, if I had that kind of money to spend on Elvis collectibles, I’d get something besides a screen door.” But my friend Troy Yeary from the eclectic blog pastimescapes.com had this comment:

“Interesting piece, Phil. Thanks! I don’t know, if I had money to blow, I would seriously consider buying something like a screen door from Graceland. Just think how many times Elvis walked through or slammed that door? He probably interacted with it more than just about any other item in the auction.

Well, lots of folks must have agreed with Troy. Elvis’ screen door had 18 bids and sold for $2,500. Good call, Troy.”

 

Elvis’ Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs:

Elvis Presley’s Personal Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs

1999 estimate was $40-50,000, no bidders. 2018 estimate was $10-20,000, and I said I thought they would get it. Well, not really, just $7,500.

 

Elvis’ Portable Sauna:

Elvis Presley’s “Scandinavian Products” Portable Sauna - Open

1999 estimate was $8-10,000. 2018 estimate was $3-5000. I said I thought it was weird. Bidders agreed, nobody would spring for the minimum bid of $1,500.

 

Elvis’ Globe-Shaped Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home:

Elvis Presley’s Personal Globe-Shaped Free-Standing Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home - Closed

1999 estimate was $4-5,000. 2018 estimate was $1,500 to $2,500. I predicted it would sell for a good bit more than that. Good call, Phil. It had 38 bids and went for $22,500. Wow.

 

Elvis’ Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room:

Elvis Presley’s Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room

999 estimate was $20-30,000. 2018 estimate was $10-15,000. I said I didn’t think it would sell. Bad call, Phil. It went for $17,500.

 

Original Acetate of Elvis Singing Beatles Songs “Hey Jude” and “Something”:

Elvis Presley Original Acetate of Beatles Songs “Hey Jude” and “Something”

1999 estimate was $650-750. 2018 estimate was $1-2,000. I predicted it would sell for that much or more. Another good call as it had 34 bids and went for $4,000.

 

Signed Title to Elvis’ Circle G Ranch:

Elvis Presley Signed Title to His Circle G Ranch

1999 estimate was $13-15,000. 2018 estimate was $10-20,000. I didn’t make a prediction, but hoped it would go high. It didn’t excite folks drawing just 2 bids and a final price of $6,250.

So, I blew it on the screen door, the desk, and the Jungle Room rocking chair. I had it right on the desk, the sauna, the globe-shaped bar, and the acetate of Beatles songs. I’ll take that.

 

Sincere Thanks for Your Support:

 

Big E and the SANTA MAN Part 2

This was the third year I’ve done pre-Christmas promotion of my book BIG E and the SANTA MAN. It was the best year yet, and I really thank you.

My one disappointment was that I didn’t get Part 2 ready to promote until late November. Next fall I will push it hard, just like the original. As a preview, here is a review by Memphis Music on Amazon:

“I enjoyed this book as it can be read by itself, or as the continuation of the first book. As a lifetime dog lover, I also enjoyed the addition of a good ole hound dog! Kids and adults will enjoy this tale of two beloved icons; Elvis and Santa and their group of special friends. Phil Arnold’s descriptive writing make you feel a part of this adventure where good versus evil comes alive again to save Christmas. At this great price go ahead and get the first book too!

The review gave the book five stars. Every review on both books has been five stars. I’ll be reminding of you about that again later in the year.

 

 

©  2018    Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister    All Rights Reserved    www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis Collectibles that Failed to Sell in 1999 Get a Second Chance

Catelog - The Archives of Graceland Auction 1999

This is the 296-page catalog of the 1999 Archives of Graceland auction. It was held in the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, and the auction lots were open for public viewing for ten days. Admission was $5, or you could buy the catalog for $40 and get in free. I happened to be in Las Vegas at that time for a convention, and I gladly forked out the $5 to spend three hours looking at all the Elvis goodies while my wife played the slots. Years later I bought the catalog for a much reduced price from a vendor at Elvis Week.

Poster for the Archives of Graceland Auction

This is a very rare hotel poster (covered in plastic) announcing the Archives of Graceland auction. It probably has some collectible value of its own now.

It appears that not everything at this auction sold, and now they are back nineteen years later at the January 6, 2018 Auction at Graceland.

The Auction at Graceland Jan 6, 2018

I guess these items have been in storage in the Graceland archives all this time. But, with all the expanded exhibit space now at the Elvis the Entertainer Career Museum and five other exhibits at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, you’d think they would hang on to these items. However, they are for sale at auction again, and we will take a look at most of these repeat items. It’s interesting to compare the original 1999 estimates with those for 2018. Because the current estimates are all lower, we can assume the items were over-evaluated the first time, and nobody would pay that much for them.

.

Love Me Tender 16mm Film and Acetates of Movie Songs:

Elvis Presley 16mm Film of Love Me Tender and Acetate

This is Elvis’ personal copy of the film in three metal reels and the original brown-strapped shipping case. The smaller case contains his personal acetates of the four songs in the soundtrack: “We’re Gonna Move,” “Love Me Tender,” “Poor Boy,” and “Let Me.” There were actually three versions of the title track “Love Me Tender.”

Address Label 16mm Film of Love Me Tender and Acetate

Back in 1999, the estimate was $5,000-7,000. Now it is just $1,500-2,500. But what if one of those unused versions of “Love Me Tender” is substantially different and has not already been released? It could be licensed for enough to cover the cost of the whole lot.

There are three other lots containing film reels and song acetates that also carried over from the 1999 auction: G.I. Blues, Kid Gallahad, and Live A Little, Love A Little. Their original estimates were less than Love Me Tender, but today they are the same. It seems unlikely that they will bring in as much as Elvis’ first film.

 

Original Screen Door from Graceland:

Original Screen Door from Gracelsnd

Can you believe it? I guess they figure anything related to Elvis has appeal to collectors, including this screen door from the back entrance to Graceland. It has presumably been in storage since 1967 when Elvis replaced with an ironwork door (still there today).

Back in 1999, the estimate was $3,000-4,000, but today it is $1,500 – $2,500. Sorry, if I had that kind of money to spend on Elvis collectibles, I’d get something besides a screen door.

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Elvis Presley’s Personal Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs:

Elvis Presley’s Personal Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs - Front

This desk came from Elvis’ home in Palm Springs, not Graceland. Because the Colonel and others took care of all his business dealings, Elvis actually used it for little more than reading or to review his concert arrangements. The desk is 7-1/2 feet long and is an impressive-looking piece of furniture – angular kidney-shaped wooden desk with burl wood trim and brass handles.

Elvis Presley’s Personal Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs

Back in 1999, the estimate was $40,000 – $50,000, but today it is $10,000 – $20,000. I think they will get it. If a photo of Elvis sitting at this desk ever surfaces, the value would go way up.

 

Elvis’ Portable Sauna:

Elvis Presley’s “Scandinavian Products” Portable Sauna

This is something I most remember seeing at the 1999 auction exhibit, and I thought it was pretty weird. In the 1970s, the Colonel purchased this steam spa for Elvis’ Chino Canyon, Palm Springs home.

Elvis Presley’s “Scandinavian Products” Portable Sauna - Open

Elvis used this spa to maintain his heath  because the advertised benefits included detoxification, stress relief, weight loss, and improving circulation.

Back in 1999, the estimate was $8,000 – $10,000, but today it is $3,000 – $5,000

 

Elvis Presley’s Personal Globe-Shaped Free-Standing Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home:

Elvis Presley’s Personal Globe-Shaped Free-Standing Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home - Closed

 

In 1967 when Elvis and Priscilla moved to the two-acre, two-story home in the elegant Holmby Hills neighborhood of California, Elvis made sure to furnish his home with only the best stuff. Amenities included a soda fountain, a pool table, a projection room and this stately Italian-style Old World Globe Bar.

Elvis Presley’s Personal Globe-Shaped Free-Standing Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home

Of course, Elvis didn’t drink, and the inside doesn’t have much room to store anything, so my guess us that it was just a conversation piece. The globe/bar was put into storage in Los Angeles in 1975, and presumably has been stored away ever since.

Back in 1999, the estimate was $4,500-$5,000, but today it is $1,500 – $2,500. I think it will sell this time, possibly going for a good bit more than the estimate.

 

VCR from Elvis’ Bedroom:

Elvis Presley VCR from His Bedroom at Graceland

According to the auction website, “Not only was Elvis featured in many films, but he also thoroughly enjoyed watching movies. He often went to the theater as a young man and that habit continued into adulthood when he would rent out an entire theater to watch a film. As technology progressed and the video recording system became a popular format in the mid 1970s for home viewing, Elvis would watch his favorites in the comfort of his bedroom at Graceland.” with his own personal VCR player.

Elvis Presley VCR from His Bedroom - Controls

Elvis was passionate about technology and acquiring the latest and greatest, and this high-tech JVC model CR-6300U video player certainly was that at the time.

Back in 1999, the estimate was $4,000 – $6,000, and it is still pretty close today at $3,000 – $5,000.

 

Elvis Presley’s Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room:

Elvis Presley’s Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room

Although fans call it the Jungle Room today, Elvis referred to it as the den, and the auction website calls it the original man cave. However, during the 70s, the furnishings were not the ones we see in Graceland today. We can be thankful that all the original tiki-inspired furniture was saved and ultimately restored to its iconic domain.

The auction website says this rocking chair was a favorite of Elvis’ in his earlier rendition of the room. They acknowledge that a photo of the wrong chair ended up in the 1999 catalog.

Elvis Presley’s Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room

To my eye, this one looks way more like something from the Jungle Room than that spindly one above. But the one in the new picture is what’s for sale and the estimate is $10,000 – $15,000. Back in 1999 it was $20,000 – 30,000. Without a photo of Elvis sitting on it, I don’t think it will sell.

 

Elvis Presley Original Acetate of Beatles Songs “Hey Jude” and “Something”:

Elvis Presley Original Acetate of Beatles Songs “Hey Jude” and “Something”

In 1969 Elvis recorded The Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude” at the American Studio in Memphis. “Hey Jude” was released by The Beatles in 1968 and topped the charts in Britain and the U.S. and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time. Elvis’ rendition of “Hey Jude” was included on his 1972 album Elvis Now.

“Something” was another song written by George Harrison and released on the 1969 Beatles album Abbey Road. Elvis included the song during his third season at the Las Vegas International Hotel in August 1970, and performed it during his Aloha from Hawaii television special in 1973, so the song was included on the namesake album as well.

This rare acetate of Elvis singing both famous tunes is described on the auction website as a historic relic of incomparable significance. I don’t understand why it did not sell at the 1999 auction when the estimate was only $650 – $750. Contrary to everything else we have looked at in this post, the current estimate is even higher at $1,000 – $2,000. I predict it will sell at that or more.

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Signed Title to Elvis’ Circle G Ranch:

The background story of this deed is presented nicely on the auction website:

Elvis was an avid rider and purchased his first horse, Domino, as a Christmas gift for Priscilla. Elvis’ passion grew and soon the barn at Graceland was being cleaned to house the horses Elvis began to acquire. It was during a horse-buying excursion in Mississippi that Elvis spotted a 65-foot white cross overlooking a manmade lake on a beautiful piece of land. At the time, Elvis was reading a lot about spirituality, so the mystique of the property moved him enough to stop and knock on the owner’s door. Elvis didn’t even bother negotiating the price of “Twinkletown Farm” with the owner, Jack Adams, but proceeded to put down an initial payment of $5,000 against the total asking price of $437,000 for the house, cattle, farm equipment and 160 acres of land. Shortly after, Elvis moved nearly 40 horses to the property, eight trailers for his friends and family and spent $100,000 on vehicles for the ranch. Elvis renamed the farm “Circle G Ranch,” with the “G” for Graceland. Much time was spent by Elvis, Priscilla and his entourage at the ranch as it provided a getaway from the pressures of Hollywood and superstardom. Elvis had quickly spent a small fortune on the ranch and the cost of maintaining it became too much of a financial burden, so in May of 1969 Elvis sold the property for $440,000.

Elvis Presley Signed Title to His Circle G Ranch

So, the two-page title from Mid-South Title Company in Memphis, dated February 8, 1967 for the Circle G Ranch is back at auction. The title is signed in blue ink by Elvis.

The new estimate has an unusually wide range: $10,000 – $20,000. This puts it both above and below the 1999 estimate of $13,000 – 15,000. I don’t think they know what this signed deed will bring. I hope it goes high.

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1973 Tennessee Motorcycle License Plate:

Elvis Presley 1973 Tennessee Motorcycle License Plate

Elvis owned a lot of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in his life, and this license plate was on one of them. But the best the auction website can say about it is, “The plate may have been used on a custom-made Harley-Davidson that Elvis bought in 1971.”

What’s strange is that this plate is only one of four offered at the 1999 auction.

Elvis Presley License Plates

That set included two white Tennessee plates and a black one from California. The combination was expected to bring $10,000 – 12,000 in 1999. Now the green Tennessee motorcycle plate alone is estimated at just $1,000 – $1,500. It might bring that.

 

The Auction at Graceland January 6 2018

This is just a taste of the 271 Elvis items that will be auctioned on January 6 in Memphis during the Elvis Birthday Celebration. To see everything, click here.

 

© 2017 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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