Elvis Presley Owned “Memphis Fire Dept.” Badge – Gifted to His Cousin Patsy Presley

Offered is an unusual badge from the personal holdings of a badge afficianado, Elvis Presley. Elvis' love of law enforcement and acquisitiion of badges for himself and other members of the Memphis Mafia are well known, but the offered badge shows another wrinkle to the story. While many a patrolman and detective were known to offer up their shields to Elvis, this may be the ONLY FIREMAN'S BADGE THAT ELVIS OWNED. Appropriately from the "MEMPHIS FIRE DEPT.", whichever firefighter was badge number "66" must have gotten a kick out of presenting this badge to the hometown rock star. The back is stamped with the maker's mark "SHAPIRO UNIFORMS MEMPHIS", and the top of the badge is made of a figural fireman's helmet. The badge was eventually gifted to Elvis' cousin Patsy Presley, to whom he gave a great many things during the many years she worked in the offices at Graceland. The badge is accompanied by a letter from noted collector Tom Salva detailing his acquisition of the badge 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 metal badge measures 2 inches in diameter and presents with expected wear from everyday use by its original owner. Excellent condition.