Offered is a Macon, Georgia Police Officer's badge that was owned by Elvis Presley. By 1977, it was fairly well-known that Elvis was a big fan of all things law enforcement. He had spent years on tour, interacting with countless officers that were working his concerts and had made many philanthropic efforts benefiting the boys in blue. On June 1, 1977, Elvis played Macon, Georgia's Macon Coliseum. The appearance was the makeup date for one of the four shows Elvis had to cancel in March and April earlier in the year. During his stay at the Macon Hilton, Elvis met a local police officer named Gene Collins. Collins, too, was aware of Elvis' love of badges, so he made of point of giving him one. Collins' handwritten letter is included with badge and it reads
Elvis Presley came to Macon in 1977. They stayed at the Macon Hilton Hotel at First Street and Walnut Street. They had reserved several of the top floors in the hotel. My squad had the security at the hotel. Another squad had the security at the Macon Coliseum where he performed. I heard that Elvis collected police badges from the cities that he had performed in, so I gave him one of my badges for his collection. Gene Collins/Macon Police Dept. Retired.
The letter is illustrated with a photo copy of Collins' business card, another of his badges and his Macon Police I.D. The badge he gifted to Elvis is embossed with his name "E.E. Collins" (Gene's full name was Earl E. Collins--we're assuming that middle "E" is for "Eugene.") and "POLICE MACON, GA." and his badge number at the time "123." The silver and black badge is topped with and eagle and has a large pin with enclosure on the reverse, all intact, though well-used.
Elvis later gave the badge to his producer and close friend Felton Jarvis, who eventually passed it down to his nephew, Tony Frost. Frost also provides a letter of provenance "FROM THE FELTON JARVIS COLLECTION," and had Collins sign another letter attesting to the badge's origins. It really is one of the finest documented law enforcement items given to Elvis Presley that we've ever seen. The badge measures 1 3/4 x 3 inches and presents with expected moderate to heavy wear from daily use by a working cop. Excellent condition.