Rock Island Auction Company’s (RIAC) May 5 to 7 event will feature two of The King’s (that’s Elvis, for youngsters) pimped out (that’s decorated, for us oldsters) revolvers. Bidders will also have a chance to take home several items personally owned by the legendary performer, such as a diamond-and-ruby Shelby County sheriff’s badge that to this day isn’t recognized as a carry permit, the Elvis-signed contract to purchase Graceland and numerous files with his signature.
The King personally purchased the revolvers in 1970 from a Beverly Hills sporting goods store—yes, there was one in town back in the day, right next to the T-Rex dinosaurwash. Afterward, Elvis sent them to Germany for elaborate enhancement and one was even presented to Vice President Spiro Agnew as a gift. It was later returned, but not for lack of performance. Apparently, his staff thought it a good idea to get rid of it while Suspicious Minds were investigating alleged corruption.
“We are thrilled to offer the memorabilia of an American rock and roll icon,” said RIAC President Kevin Hogan. “These revolvers are beautiful enough on their own to bring a great price, but when you add the iron-clad Elvis provenance, things really get exciting. Authentic Elvis items can bring tremendous buzz and high totals at auction, so we’re anticipating a lot of action when these cross the block.” The pre-auction estimate for one revolver seen being held by Elvis in a period photograph is $160,000 to $275,000.
I knew I was in trouble when the CPA doing my taxes was playing “In the Ghetto” today, so the handguns won’t be joining my Elvis whiskey decanter, action figure or velvet painting from Mexico. I’ve checked into Heartbreak Hotel. For those with the monetary means, though, visit the RIAC website for a chance to take home a “hunka hunka burnin’ iron.”
