Elvis Presley Owned "TCB" Grand Prix Sunglasses - One of the Earliest Pair Made - All Metal!

Offered are one of the earliest (if not the earliest!) pairs of Elvis Presley's iconic "TCB" sunglasses created by Dennis Roberts of Optique Boutique in 1970 or 1971. These early "prototype" "TCB" sunglasses ended up with Elvis' dear friend and Mempis Mafia member Lamar Fike. Fike's signed letter detailing the circumstances around the sunglasses accompanies and reads:

Elvis wanted a personalized version of the aviator sunglasses and asked Dennis Roberts. Dennis Roberts made various prototypes and a few TCB lgoo designs . This pair was one of the first made for Elvis. The glasses were still too heavy when wearing it for a longer period, and it left red spots on the nose. This pair was given to me. Lamar Fike, September 10, 2008. 

One can easily imagine why Elvis switched to sunglasses with plastic frames when the offered pair weigh in at a hefty 120 grams—over a ¼ pound! Dennis Roberts eventually settled on glasses with a plastic body for the later versions of Elvis' aviator style "TCB" sunglasses, making them much, much lighter, even with metal arms. Eventually, the European Neostyle "Nautic" glasses were used, but initially, these "grand prix" style were preferred. The "TCB" logo on the offered pair shows some interesting distinctions from the later, final versions, with slightly less flair on the "C" character and a lightning bolt that comes to a severe point at the end. That being said, the prominent "EP" in the bridge matches the later versions. "TCB" sunglasses are one of the most sought after of all the Elvis artifacts, with pairs regularly selling in excess of $20,000. The sunglasses measure 6 1/2 inches long, 6 inches wide and 2 ¼ inches tall and present with moderate wear but are intact. Excellent condition.