From the Archives Of Graceland - Official Auction (1999)
(MGM Grand, Las Vegas, October 8-10, 1999)
I was fortunate to attend the Official Auction From the Graceland Archives held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, October 8-10, 1999. I made a number of significant purchases for my personal collection and also as an agent representing 3rd party buyers. Some of the items in my personal collection are detailed below for your information and enjoyment.
Date: 23 May 2008 | Posted SiteAdmin | Categories: General | Comments: 73 |
A number of Elvis accolytes, associates and celebrities attended the event, some purchasing items for themselves or bidding remotely via phone. I found myself competing with some industry high rollers such as Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Barbara Orbison, Ringo Starr etc, and Elvis fans and collectors world-wide.
Whilst there I spent time with Wink Martindale (US TV Star) and Joe Esposito (Elvis' long time friend, road manager and best-man at his wedding to Priscilla) - who was kind enough to sign my Auction Catalogue...
Handwritten Recording Session Song List of "Speedway"
Lot B249a; Catalogue p187
Two page schedule of the recording session for "Speedway" at MGM studios June 20 and 21, 1967. Lists the musicians and the songs recorded. On a page of "The Colonel" notepaper is a list of songs handwritten by Elvis in blue ink."Speedway" soundtrack album from Graceland. 8 x 5 inches note paper.
Purchased at auction in 1999 for $2,500. Current Estimated Value: $8,000-10,000
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Back To TopHandwritten Recording Session Song List of "Pot Luck"
Lot B249b; Catalogue p187
...Another page, entitled "Pot Luck" and dated April 12, 1967, lists "Order of Appearance in Script", "Page Location in Script", and "Song and Performers", in three columns. There are a number of notes handwritten by Elvis in blue ink. 11 x 8.5 inches schedule.
Purchased at auction in 1999 for $7,000.Current Estimated Value: $16,000-20,000
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Elvis That's The Way It Is Documents
Lot C83; Catalogue p240
Colonel Parker's copy of the MGM contract, dated May 7, 1970, for the production of a movie consisting of photograpgy and sound recordings from Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel. Includes copies of agreements with Elvis Presley and with the International Hotel, a rider dated May 26, 1970 and a letter to James Aubrey of MGM from Colonel Parker dated September 24, 1970.
Original two-page agreement written on William Morris letter-head. Outlines the payment agreement between, Elvis, the Colonel and MGM. Original and copy are signed in blue ink by Elvis Presley. Documents are bound by a black folder. Elvis Presley's copy of the album, "On Stage February 1970". 11 x 8.5 inches Contract.11.5 x 9 inches Folder. 12.5 inches x 12.5 inches album.
Purchased at auction in 1999 for $3,500 against an estimate of $8,000-10,000.
Current Estimated Value: $20,000-25,000+
Elvis Signature on Page 2
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Note To Elvis Presley From Joan Rivers
Lot C53; Catalogue p232
Handwritten note to Elvis Presley from Joan Rivers on the inside of a yellow table card from International Hotel printed with, "Minimum Charge $15 per person". Rivers told Elvis that he was "tip-top". She signed it "XXXXX Joan Rivers". Under her signature is a smiley face. International Hotel Souvenir Menu (1971). Cover shows a picture of Elvis singing, inside shows menu selection. 6 x 6 inches table card. 12 x 9 inches menu. Joan Rivers was a big fan of Elvis. Their daughters, Lisa Marie Presley and Melissa Rivers, went to school together at one time.
Current Estimated Value: $2,000-2,500
Autograph Templates - Used for Merchandise
Lot C53; Catalogue p232
Again from the Las Vegas auction - these sample autographs were used to produce various items of Elvis merchandise including album covers, menus and tour photo albums etc.
These are a great resource to compare against when checking Elvis signature claims for authenticity.
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Current Estimated Value: $2,000-2,500
Check Book, Stubs, And Checks For California Expenses
Lot B46; Catalogue p124
Green check book showing 151 check stubs from October 14, 1961 to March 9, 1962. Some items and amounts include: Bel-Air Patrol, $20.40; Sahara Hotel, $2,152.33; Victor Hinig (haircut for Elvis), $30; Mr George Barris (custom work on Cadillac Limo), dep. of $2,000; and Harry Levitch Jewelers (purchase of wrist watch), $89.60.
Five light green checks signed by Elvis Presley. 9.25 x 12.25 inches check book. 5 x 8.125 inches checks. These checks are for personal and household expenses. During this time. Elvis was filming "Kid Galahad". This was the only Christmas he spent away from Memphis, except while he was in the army.
Purchased at auction in 1999 for $7,000.
Current Estimated Value: $16,000-20,000
Check #112 - Dr.R. McWheiter
Check #108: Made out to Dr.R.? McWheiter for $66 "Board For Scatter Elvis's Chimp"
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Check #107 - Sahara Hotel
Check #108: Made out to Sahara Hotel for $1809.13 "Hotel Bill Over Holiday's"
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Check #108 - Joe Esposito
Check #108: Made out to Joe Esposito for $353.57 "For purchase of 1951 M.G. Car"
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Check #126 - Cash
Check #126: Cash $300 for "Exp. For House In Memphis"
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Check #104 - W. M. Agency
Check #104: Made out to William Morris Agency Inc. for $3,500 "For Personal Expenses"
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Check Stubs - Sample Page
One random page with 3 check stubs (the check book contains 151 stubs in total)"
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