This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2022
Offered is one of the most stunning of Elvis Presley's "TCB" necklaces ever to turn up--the letters and lightning bolt of the trademark symbol is covered with 74 diamonds! The necklace was taken off his neck and given by Elvis' to his friend and private detective John O'Grady--then later it became part of the legendary Elvis Presley Museum owned by Jimmy Velvet.
O'Grady was a former Los Angeles police officer whose relationship with Elvis was much more than the usual cursory interaction resulting from police providing security at his concerts. John O’Grady referred to himself as “Hollywood’s No. 1 Private Eye” in his 1974 autobiography entitled O’Grady: The Life and Times of Hollywood’s No. 1 Private Eye in which he recounts details from his investigations in the 1960s and ’70s during his time on the Hollywood narcotics detail with the Los Angeles Police Department. John O’Grady’s career also included working as the bodyguard for Deep Throat star Linda Lovelace and helping Elvis win his paternity suit with Patricia Parker in 1970 (see photo at right showing O'Grady with Elvis in 1970). A friend of Elvis and later Linda Thompson, John also assisted Elvis by approaching Red, Sonny and Dave to try and smooth relations after their dismissal in an attempt to discourage them from writing a tell-all book.
A copy of O'Grady's March 24, 1981, letter from his sale to Velvet accompanies and reads:
This is to certify under penalty of perjury that these items were given to me by Elvis Presley. His diamond TCB pendant, star ring and Egyptian ankh were pieces he took off his person and handed to me after one of his stage performances. The other items he gave to me while I was visiting him at one of his homes with my wife. I was friends with him for many years and provided services for him at his request.
The necklace is also accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Elvis Presley Museum signed by Jimmy Velvet. The "TCB" measures 3/4 x 1 3/4 inches, and the chain measures 24 inches in length. On the reverse is marked "14K". The necklace shows signs of moderate wear. Near Mint condition.