The offered "U.S." Army collar pin was owned by Elvis Presley and most-likely came from his Army dress uniform. The pin was given to his cousin Patsy Presley. Patsy ended up with a jewelry box of Elvis', at Vernon's insistence, and while there were some pieces that were obviously from fans, there were a good number of nicer jewelry pieces, as well a number of personal items like the offered Army pin. The pin dates to the same era that Elvis was in the U.S. Army, from 1958-1960, and presents with the proper period "Ballou" clutches on the reverse. He can be seen wearing one or two of these on his dress uniform jacket collar in many photographs from the period. By 1960, he can be seen wearing one of these pins AND his Armored Cavalry pin, with its corresponding crossed sabres and tank design, one on each collar. The pin is accompanied by a letter from noted collector Tom Salva detailing his acquisition of it 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. The pin measures 1 inch in diameter and presents with heavy wear. Very Good condition.