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Lot #5078
Elvis Presley's DEA Sweatsuit

Elvis's personal DEA sweatsuit

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Estimate: $4000+
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Description

Elvis's personal DEA sweatsuit

Elvis Presley's personally-owned DEA sweatsuit, comprising a bright red long-sleeved sweatshirt with matching sweatpants. Made by Champion, the cotton-polyester sweatshirt is a size large; the pants lack a tag, and have zippered ankles and a single interior pocket. Both pieces are emblazoned in white, "National Training Institute, DEA." In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a photocopy of a letter of provenance from Elvis's cousin Billy Smith, as well as a notarized letter of provenance and deaccession from Mike L. Moon of the now-defunct Elvis & Hollywood Legends Museum at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Smith's letter reads, in full: "This red sweatsuit with 'DEA' emblem was given to Elvis by a friend who was an FBI agent. Elvis later gave this to Billy Smith to work out with him in the racquetball building." Moon's letter notes that he acquired the sweatsuit from Smith on August 17, 1981, and it was thereafter displayed at his museum. Elvis had a fascination with law enforcement, hence his natural interest in the Drug Enforcement Agency, which was established in 1973. In 1970, President Nixon had named Presley as an honorary agent of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (the DEA's predecessor), and presented him with a badge per Elvis's special request.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Pop Culture
  • Dates: #524 - Ended March 15, 2018