Offered is a ring that has never been seen since it came off of Elvis Presley's finger in 1972--a 14K gold and diamond ring emblazoned with Elvis' trademark logo for his motto, "TCB", on the face. This incredible artifact appears to have been built from the same mold as the famous "TCB" necklaces Elvis distributed to those closest of friends--the "taking care of business in a flash" with the "TCB" and lightning bolt. After meeting our consignor at a private movie screening party at The Memphian Theatre in Memphis, Elvis gave her the ring, and she has kept it until now. Her accompanying letter tells the story:
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.
Several recent items bearing the "TCB" logo have sold well into the six-figure range, and our estimate on this ring may be well too conservative. It is a striking piece of jewelry, and one that encapsulates everything that Elvis Presley was. His generosity never ceases to amaze, even all these years later as artifacts like the offered treasure continue to surface. The bottle of cologne and the silver and turquoise watchband given by Elvis to our consignor are also offered in this auction. The ring is size 6 1/2 and weighs 17.17 grams. The ring presents with moderate wear—there are no stampings on the inside of the band or the back of the TCB piece. Excellent condition.