Henry Aldridge & Son

The Devizes Auctioneers

Press Release

Important Elvis Presley

75th Anniversary Auction

2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of the one of the most important figures in the history of Rock and Roll. Elvis Presley was born on January 8th 1935 and to mark this momentous date 75 years later Henry Aldridge and Son will be auctioning a number of important items of Elvis material. Interest is high in the sale of Elvis memorabilia with a number of prominent objects having been sold around the world for significant sums in the past few years.

The lots going under the hammer will offer collectors around the world the chance to own their own piece of Elvis history. One particularly noteworthy lot going under the hammer are a pair of handcuffs. Elvis Presley's fascination with police work and collecting badges began in 1956 through his contact with police working security detail at his concerts. But by the late 1960's, Elvis infatuation with law enforcement had increased immensely. Elvis worked his way up to the ranks at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in his hometown Memphis. He first received an honorary sheriff's badge from Sheriff Bill Morris and ultimately acquired several authentic badges (as well as actual law enforcement Authority) from several subsequent Sheriffs in Shelby County. Along the way, Elvis collected other law enforcement equipment, including guns, a blue light with siren for his car, a black flashlight and nightstick as well as this set of handcuffs. This pair of Smith and Wesson handcuffs (number 606626) were given to Elvis by Sheriff Bill Morris. Elvis used these Handcuffs whilst role playing. The lot includes a  Polaroid copy of a photograph which is one of several taken by Elvis while straddling girlfriend Linda Thompson. The handcuffs were kept in Elvis' personal badge case and were later given to Memphis Mafia Member Sam Thompson. The handcuffs were obtained directly from Judge Sam Thompson of Memphis,Tennessee. These were on display for many years at the world famous ELVIS-A-RAMA MUSEUM in Las Vegas. The ELVIS-A-RAMA MUSEUM has been bought by Graceland and retired.

Other rare and unusual items being sold include a typed and hand signed letter and envelope on Priscilla Presleys  personal stationery with a Polaroid photograph taken by her, the original plastic tail light lens from the 1960's MGA Vin, number GHNL75732 red sports car, driven by Elvis in the film 'Blue Hawaii' and an Original Elvis Presley Royalties statement 12/31/67, Gladys Music Inc, Venice Music Inc, 12/31/67 for the songs, "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", "Long Tall Sally" and "Rip it Up", over two pages.

Further lots number an original page from the flight logbook for Elvis Presley's private passenger Jet, The Lisa Marie. This particular log corresponds to the flight Elvis took from South Bend to Champaign and then to Cleveland for his concert at the Cleveland Coliseum on October 23rd, 1976, A strand of Elvis Presley's hair (12mm) mounted in frame with a photograph of Elvis with a certificate of authenticity on the back and a truly rare book  "The Greatest Story Ever Told" by Fulton Oursler . It was owned by Elvis and given to his long term friend Joan(Joan). Elvis inscribed "To Jo 1-4-72 Elvis Presley". From Joan Schmidt-Powell's estate. The book was received by Joan in January in Las Vegas during Elvis Hilton Tour January 26-February 23 1972. Comes with a signed letter of Authenticity from a UACC Member and a copy of a letter from Vernon Presley written to Joan about Elvis' funeral. Estimates on items in the sale will range from £50 upto several thousand pounds.

The auction will be held on Saturday 15th May at 10am GMT and the lots can be viewed online at www.henry-aldridge.com.