The offered size 11 men's "cavalry" style black leather boots were gifted from Elvis Presley to a member of his concert security detail, Philadelphia police officer Michael Mangione. Concert promoter Jerry Weintraub is credited with urging Elvis and the Colonel to put their first nationwide tour together, and he was involved in Elvis Presley Show tours during the 1970s. It is Weintraub who put his friend from the Philly Police on Elvis' security detail starting in 1971.
The boots are accompanied by a letter from Michael Mangione, Chief Inspector, Philadelphia Police Department, as well as a short addendum letter with further details about the boots. The main letter reads:
It all started on a hot July afternoon when I went to my barber shop for a hair cut. At that time in 1967, I was a young police captain commanding the Philadelphia Police Department Highway Patrol. My barber, who cut my hair since childhood, introduced me to Jerry Weintrub [sic], a prominent agent and his beautiful wife Jane Morgan. Since then, I have been friendly with Jerry and Jane and the many stars whose careers Jerry guided. In 1971, Jerry asked me if I could look after Elvis Presley for one week, which turned out to be seven years. During this time, Elvis and I became very close friends. Along with great stories, he left me with very personal gifts and photographs. Recently, I decided to share some of my closeness with Elvis. He had given me a unique pair of boots that I sold to Mr. Tom Slava. These boots were given to me in 1973 in the presence of Mr. Joe Esposito, who is recognized as a top authenticator of Elvis memorabilia. Although I went on to provide security for several stars, including Frank Sinatro from 1975 to 19769 (another great story), Elvis remains the closest to my heart.
The “Addendum to previous letter to Tom Salva from Michael Mangione regarding Elvis Presley's Black Leather Boots” clarifies the date he received the boots: “The above mentioned boots are calf length, black leather boots inscribed on the inside with the following: 'MGM – 11' (size) 4710 3947 8-87' (production number). Date received from Elvis June 23, 1974.” Both letters are signed by Michael Mangione. Elvis played the Philadelphia Spectrum for the first time in November 1971 and then again for two shows on June 23, 1974.
The numbers on the inside of the boots are related to the boot's size and manufacturer, not MGM. They are difficult to read (and Mr. Mangione was close!), but they actually say: "4110 3947 / AS 87." "4110" means Width = D “4”, Size 11 “110” (no ½ size, so 110 as opposed to 115). Elvis wore boots in size 11 on a regular basis, and there are many examples of shoes and boots in this size in the Graceland Archives. Though marked with a large black marker "MGM 11" on the interior of each boot, it is unlikely that they are related to a specific Elvis film at the studio. It is more likely he simply acquired them during his time making movies for MGM. A couple of details point to the boots certainly being produced prior to 1973, and quite possibly in the 1960s, including the welted soles and the toe style. They are a "cavalry" style of boot, and could have been in the MGM costume inventory from prior use in a period film. The boots are also accompanied by two copies of photos showing Mr. Mangione with Elvis during his time as part of his security detail. The boots present with moderate wear to the leather soles and expected minor scuffs and scratches to the leather uppers. Excellent to Mint condition.