Offered is a "Memphis Police" badge, number "3749", owned by Elvis Presley. Elvis' fascination with law enforcement is legendary, and his collection of badges given to him from various law enforcement agencies is well-known as well. Elvis would often get jurisdictions to give him his own badges, either in Shelby County or the City of Memphis, but the offered badge is one given to Elvis from a local officer. One can imagine the gesture as the officer gladly handed over his badge and his satisfaction at the joy and gratitude on Elvis' face. It's possible this was an officer's older badge, having received a newer version at some point in his career on the Memphis police department. 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 heavy, solid badge measures 2 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches and presents with its original pin enclosure intact. Shos signs of moderate to heavy use. Excellent to Mint condition.