Screaming fans might once have thrown their knickers at him, but the appeal of the King of Pop Elvis Presley isn’t quite as enduring as expected judging by the failure of his soiled undies to sell at auction. The light blue briefs, unwashed and slightly stained in the crotch area, were expected to fetch £10,000 at Omega Auctions in Stockport over the weekend. Despite attracting bids of £5,000, no buyer was prepared to meet the reserve price of £7,000.
The underpants had attracted considerable interest prior to the auction because they were worn by Presley under one of his famous jumpsuits during a 1977 concert. The staining suggests a rather less sexy by-product of Presley’s trademark hip swivelling. The underpants were on sale among 100 other items of Elvis memorabilia auctioned to mark 35 years since his death.
A Bible belonging to Presley was the star lot, fetching £59,000. The gold embossed book was a Christmas gift from his Uncle Vester and Aunt Clettes during his first year in Gracelands in 1957. It contained the singer’s handwritten notes, including a poignant quote: "To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave."
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Elvis Presley |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1935 |
| Date of Death | August 16, 1977 |
| Notable Works | Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender |
| Achievements | Multiple Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee |
Table of Contents
Auction Overview
The auction at Omega Auctions included a wide range of Elvis memorabilia, marking a significant occasion in honoring the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. Items ranged from clothing to personal effects, with many items stirring nostalgia among fans. Despite the excitement, the auction highlighted the fluctuating value of celebrity memorabilia, especially items with a more questionable history.
Elvis Memorabilia Highlights
Among the items auctioned, the Bible stood out as a significant piece, fetching an impressive £59,000. The Bible, gifted to Presley, contained personal notes that reflect his thoughts and beliefs. Other items of interest included shoes worn by Elvis, which sold for £6,500, along with a movie contract for the film “Follow That Dream” that earned £6,000.
Bidding War Insights
The atmosphere during the auction was electric, with Karen Fairweather, the sales room manager, describing it as exciting, with 300 people present and bids coming in from around the world. The auction successfully garnered over £100,000, showcasing the enduring interest in Elvis and his legacy, even as some items failed to meet expectations, such as his infamous underpants.
Final Thoughts
This auction serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between celebrity memorabilia and its perceived value. While some items like Presley's Bible soared, others fell flat, challenging the notion of what fans truly value. The world of Elvis memorabilia continues to surprise and intrigue collectors and fans alike.
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