Offered is a bottle of “Nine Flags International” cologne owned and used by Elvis Presley. The cologne was a gift to a Memphis girl with whom Elvis went on a number of dates in 1972. The young lady met Elvis when she was invited to attend a couple of movie screening parties at The Memphian movie theatre, at which Elvis would famously rent out for him and his friends on a regular basis. During one visit to Graceland during their time dating, Elvis presented the offered cologne bottle to the young lady. Some years later she added a small piece of tape with the commemoration “Given to me by Elvis around 1970 same time as the jewelry.” Later the year was later determined to be 1972, based on movies Rosemary saw with Elvis, which included Diamonds are Forever and The French Connection. And the jewelry she references on the label are a “TCB” gold and diamond ring and silver and turquoise watchband which are both available in this auction! Her accompanying Letter of Authenticity reads:
My first experience meeting Elvis Presley was in 1962. A friend who had attended Humes High with him, and her sister who dated Joe Esposito, invited me to go to The Memphian Movie Theater with them. We sat in the back of the theater and watched him more than the movie, so I couldn't even tell you what was showing!
Then ten years later, in early 1972, while living in an apartment in Germantown with my cousin, she was approached by a guy who invited her to go to The Memphian. He hung out at TGI Fridays restaurant, and claimed to be part of the "Memphis Mafia.” Since I had a car and she didn't she invited (begged) me to go with her. I explained that I had done that before and it was no big deal, but I agreed to go. We met Jim at Fridays, and he walked us thru the alley to the Memphian and thru the stage door. We walked across the front and up the far isle and were told who to sit with. I was invited to sit with Elvis.
He was very nice and seemed most concerned about everyone's comfort. He sent out for burgers from McDonalds or somewhere, and we watched the movie Diamonds are Forever. He talked about Jill St. John and about knowing her. We went back to Graceland after the movie and were treated to a tour of the house. I told him that my Uncle had designed his kitchen, and he remembered him.
A couple of weeks later, I received a call asking if I could meet Elvis at the Memphian for a movie. I went and we watched The French Connection. He talked about helping the "narcos" in California and explained about the making of different scenes. I rode with him back to Graceland, and my car was driven by one of his guys. On the way, we discussed the safety of where we lived. He was curious about what kind of locks we had on our doors and said he would have someone come install dead bolts. I mentioned that I had a shotgun and liked to hunt. He thought a pistol would be better so he gave me Smith and Wesson .38 caliber “Detective Special” that he was carrying.
Back at the house he gave me a watch with a beautiful turquoise and coral on silver watchband that he was wearing. Then he gave me the gold TCB ring he had on his pinky. We discussed a book he was reading by Hal Lindsay, The Late Great Planet Earth. He gave me that and picked up a bottle of cologne he had been using and insisted I take that, as well. He was a very generous person.
Sadly, the gun was stolen from my apartment, and during the robbery the watch was taken out of the watchband, but fortunately the band was not taken. The book disappeared over the years but the ring, watch band and cologne I have kept for nearly 50 years. I have now decided it is time to let them go. But I still have the memories of a sweet caring man. This letter will serve as a letter of authenticity that the item listed above was owned and worn by Elvis Presley, and that it has been in my possession since 1972.
A 1969 advertisement for “Nine Flags International” colognes describes Elvis' preferred “Patcham – Hong Kong” scent thusly: “Hong Kong gives you a soupcon of tonka in a mixture of ylang-ylang, vanilla orchids, oil of vetiver and olibanum. Very decadent.” There were other varieties from nine other countries including Germany, Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Spain, England and France, but Elvis went for Hong Kong. The bottle of cologne presents roughly 85% full, and it stands 4 inches tall and 2 ¼ inches in diameter. Near Mint condition.