Offered is an incredibly rare RCA record store light-up etched glass display promoting the 1984 release of the 6-record box set, Elvis Presley-A Golden Celebration. The etched image of Elvis and "ELVIS 50th" jump off the display when illuminated from it's electric stand below (see images). The "50th" refers to marking of what would have been Elvis' 50th birthday in January 1985--the box set promotion highlighted this hallmark. Interestingly, this same artwork was used on the massive etched glass "Billion Records Sold Award" that was presented to Elvis' estate that same year to commemorate Elvis' singular achievement of selling a BILLION records. Yes, that's "billion" with a "b". The number seems staggering, but there has been ample scholarship to back up the lofty claim, which includes both U.S. and international sales since Elvis' career launched in 1954.
The offered display emanates from Joan Deary-she likely presented it to a fan in the summer of 1984 during a festival at Elvis' birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. Joan was the executive in charge of the Elvis' catalog for RCA records. Deary joined RCA in 1954 as Steve Sholes secretary. In 1972 she became assistant to RCA vice president Harry Jenkins, whose job it was to handle the Elvis Presley material. She produced many albums for RCA, including the Elvis Presley-A Golden Celebration box set. Deary worked out of the RCA building in Hollywood until her retirement in 1987.
The fully-operational display stands over 12 inches tall and is 13 inches wide at the base. Near Mint condition.