This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/10/2020
Elvis wore his most famous gold ensemble, with gold lamé coat AND pants, only a few times, notably in Chicago, St. Louis and Toronto. Most appearances in the gold jacket saw Elvis don black pants. That being said, the offered photo wasn't taken in any of the cities mentioned above but in the living room of his own home on Audubon Drive in Memphis. The drapes, mirror and decorative violin shaped wall art all identify the location. He may have slipped on the outfit for an interview at the house--the photo is obviously professional in nature. It could very well be that the photo is from much earlier in the year than the listed publication date of "08/27/57," perhaps even when he first received the new gold lamé suit prior to first wearing it on March 28 in Chicago. Are we witnessing Elvis trying on his gold lamé suit for the first time?!? The photo of girlfriend June Juanico on the piano in front of Elvis support the idea that it is very early in 1957. During Elvis' short layover on a train going through New Orleans on March 18 June informed him that she was engaged to another man. Her photo wouldn't have been up long after that, and this photo may have been taken during the 10-day period from that day until Chicago. Incredible.
The grease pencil notation on the reverse says “HAT grandmother layout,” and the writing indicates that the photo was used between the tours on which he wore the jacket that year: “Elvis Presley 08/20/57.” The photo measures 8 x 10 inches. The photo presents with expected newsroom markings, some minor toning and edge wear, as well as some minor cracking in the gloss finish and a few small stains. Excellent to Mint condition.