This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2025
Offered is Elvis Presley's "FDA Agent - Bureau of Drug Abuse Control" Badge, acquired from a federal agent in 1970. Elvis later presented the badge to Memphis Mafia member Sonny West once he received his "Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs" badge after his historic meeting with President Nixon on December 21, 1970--West was present at that meeting. The badge later became part of the famous Jimmy Velvet "Elvis Presley Museum" and was sold with his collection as Lot 1891 in Velvet's October 6-7, 1995, Butterfield & Butterfield Auction (see images at left). The accompanying COA signed by Sonny West and Velvet reads:
This badge was the first federal narcotics badge given to Elvis. It was given to him by an agent in 1970. Elvis then began an effort to be an undercover agent. He succeeded in getting President Nixdon to authorize his commission after a visit with the President at The White House. Sonny West was present at the White House when Elvis achieved this. Elvis then gave the badge to Sonny West.
The encounter between Nixon and Elvis has become one of the most enduringly popular Oval Office moments in history: The bejeweled rock icon shakes hands with the staid president for a photo-op that looks like it could’ve been fake. It’s the most requested photograph from the U.S. National Archives! Many stories swirl around the meeting, but the real purpose of going there that day and what Elvis really wanted was that special badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs to add to his personal collection of police badges. And Elvis being Elvis, he got it. And henceforth, the offered badge made its way to Sonny. The badge shows only moderate signs of wear and is presented on a later badge holder. Near Mint condition.