This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2021
Offered is a large silver and turquoise lightning bolt ankh necklace owned by Elvis Presley and gifted to his dear friend J.D. Sumner. Sumner was the lead singer of Elvis' backup group The Stamps Quartette, but their relationship went all the way back to the 1950s when Elvis saw J.D. perform with a gospel group in Memphis. Elvis bestowed J.D. with many, many beautiful pieces of jewelry during their time together, but none can rival the visual impact of the offered ankh necklace with its large turquoise stone and central lightning bolt image--all it's missing is a "TCB"! The necklace was created by Mike McGregor who initially ran Elvis' Circle G ranch, before eventually moving to Graceland. Mike made leather goods, such as saddles and gun holster, but his finest craftsmanship was applied to his jewelry making, as evidenced by the offered piece. Mike's signature hallmark can be seen on the reverse of the pendant, his "MM". J.D. eventually sold the piece, among other things, to Mike Moon for his museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The necklace is accompanied by a notarized letter from Moon detailing the circumstances of the sale. It reads in part:
On May 1st, 1980, J.D. Sumner sold to the Elvis Museum of Pigeon Forge, TN a large assortment of Elvis Presley's personal possessions that Elvis gave to J.D. during the 1970's. Part of this group was the following item: ONE STERLING SILVER MODIFIED MALTESE CROS NECKLACE WITH ONE TURQUOISE STONE IN THE CNTER OF THE CROSS. THE CROSS INCLUDES A LIGHTNING BOLT DESIGN. THE CROSS IS ATTACHED TO A STERLING SILVER CHAIN.
Moon incorrectly attributes the maker of the necklace as a native American jewelry maker from whom Elvis used to purchase pieces from in Las Vegas, but the "MM" on the reverse of the ankh conclusively makes this a Mike McGregor piece. The ankh measures 2 1/2 x 3 3/8 inches, and the chain measures 28 inches in length. The necklace shows signs of being worn moderately. Near Mint condition.