Trophy Taken from Elvis

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

In 1958, when he was 23 years old, the brilliant career of Elvis Presley is abruptly interrupted. He must go to his military service.

The barber in the army will be more gentle with him that the native American with white men, according to the popular imagination: he did not tear Elvis's scalp and he gave him his hair. The case must have been terrible for the young performer, who already wanted to be a model for his generation through his clothing, his look and his attitude. Needless to remind what was his huge success when he was returned to civilian life.

It seems that the prestigious hair has been separated into two parts. One, which is on sale at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago on October 18, had been kept by the president of an Elvis fan club, whose collection is now auctioned. The owner of the other part has discussed these locks and confirms the authenticity.

Formerly, history buffs were looking at the hair (and hats) of Napoleon. It is today Elvis's turn. How worth is this relic? Leave it to the auction game and do not give a figure for the moment: the catalog gives a reasonable price, but the press dreams much higher.

Guided by the auction house, I provide a link to the article from CBS 2, which includes a video with this lot.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Sold 18.3 K$ including premium, this lot almost doubled its low estimate of 8 K$. The auction house had cleverly attracted media by announcing the hope of much higher prices, but has kept a cool head when maintaining a reasonable estimate in the catalog.

Congratulations to Leslie Hindman.