This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2021
We may have never seen a more badass piece of jewelry owned by Elvis Presley than the offered Sterling silver and turquoise necklace which features the actual claw of a black bear as its centerpiece! Flanked by blue and red turquoise and embedded in the silver pendant, the bear claw attacks the eye. Bar none, one of the coolest pieces of Elvis jewelry ever offered! The necklace was eventually gifted to Elvis' cousin Patsy Presley, to whom he gave a great many things during the many years she worked in the offices at Graceland. The necklace is accompanied by a letter from noted collector Tom Salva detailing his acquisition of the necklace among other items he purchased from Patsy. The letter states,
The item listed and shown above has been in my personal Elvis Presley collection since 1988. I purchased this item, and many others, from Patsy Presley, Elvis Presley’s cousin who worked as secretary in the offices at Graceland for many years during Elvis’ career. The item was originally from a jewelry box from Elvis’ bedroom dresser. I purchased the jewelry box and all its contents from Patsy in 1988. While it didn’t contain any of Elvis’ ornate jewelry with diamonds and gold, etc., it did contain many rings, watches, money clips, cuff links, bracelets, pins and other items of this sort that were often gifted to Elvis by family, friends and even fans. Included below is a copy of the money order with which I purchased the items from Patsy Gambill (her married name at the time) as well as a color copy of the handwritten letter from Patsy, dated October 25, 1988, describing the jewelry box and what it meant to Elvis.
Also accompanying is a color copy of the original letter from Patsy Presley Gambill, as referenced in Tom's letter. “STERLING” is stamped and still partially visible on the reverse. The pendant measures 1 ¼ x ¾ inches, and the chain measures 26 inches in length. It presents with moderate to heavy use. Near Mint condition.