The offered Neostlye "Nautic" model sunglasses were customized for Elvis Presley with the addition of his trademark 14k gold "TCB" logos to each arm, creating one of the most iconic items he ever wore. The glasses were eventually gifted to his close friend and Memphis Mafia member Sonny West. Elvis discovered the Nautics in the early 1970s at Optique Boutique in Beverly Hills, and had them customized by the shop's owner Dennis Roberts. Based on an interview with the creator of the Nautic glasses, Neostyle designer Konstantin Livas, he recounts how Elvis first saw the sunglasses: "NEOSTYLE also successfully launched the NAUTIC in the USA. Elvis saw them at his opticians on Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles. He liked them so much he ordered 5 there and then a further 3 solid gold frames ornately embellished on temples."
The offered sunglasses were one of those pairs. The gold-tone frames (not solid gold, Mr. Livas!) are embellished with the "TCB" logo and a lightning bolt near each temple applied to the arms. On the interior of the right arm is stamped "NEOSTYLE MADE IN GERMANY 140," and on the interior of the left arm is stamped "140 NEOSTYLE 822 60 18." On the back of the bridge the initials of Dennis Roberts "DBR" are engraved, and on the nose pads are printed the "NEO" logos. These glasses must not have been worn relentlessly because it is not uncommon for these logos to wear off over time.
The accompanying signed letter on Sonny West's personal "TCB" letterhead reads "This is to certify that this pair of glasses were Elvis Presley's. Sincerely Sonny West." The letter was notarized by Jimmy Velvet in 1983 when he purchased the sunglasses from Sonny and put them on display in his Elvis Presley Museum.
The glasses measure 6 1/4 inches wide, 2 inches in height and 5 3/4 inches in arm length. The glasses show expected signs of being worn, but have no damage. Minimally Near Mint condition.