This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/17/2021
The offered 14K gold ring was owned and worn by Elvis Presley before he gifted it to his bodyguard Sam Thompson. The ring has nine very strong, identical diamonds in a setting surrounded by a white gold trim. It was aboard Elvis' plane, The Lisa Marie, where Elvis gave Sam the ring while they were leaving Memphis en route to Hawaii in March 1977. Sam was the brother of Elvis' former girlfriend Linda Thompson, and was on Elvis' security staff from 1973 until his passing in 1977. The Hawaiian trip was Elvis' last vacation, and when The Lisa Marie finally took off from the Oakland airport where it refueled, there were 29 passengers aboard!
The accompanying affidavit from Sam Thompson reads:
In November 1972 I was introduced to Elvis Presley by my sister, Linda Thompson. I became part of the 'inner circle' of friends and frequently traveled with Elvis on road tours. I often traveled with Elvis on concert tours and witnessed many performances and was his friend and companion until the day he died. I ultimately became a personal bodyguard to Elvis and worked for him until his death in August of 1977. From 1972 to 1977 I visited Graceland often and Elvis was a guest in my home many times, a home which Elvis had purchased for me in July 1973. During this period of time, Elvis gave me many gifts and all of them spontaneously. Aboard the Lisa Marie aircraft, shortly after departing Memphis for the last Hawaiian vacation, Elvis gave me a ring after I admired it...The ring has been in my continuous possession since Elvis gave it to me that day in 1977.
Sam's measurements of the ring in the letter were approximations, but the size 9 ½ ring weighs 10.87 grams with 9 identical diamonds for a total carat weight of .9 ct. The “14K” is still visible on the interior of the band, along with a maker's mark “CRESCENT” which is partially worn away. Near Mint condition.