Auctioneer Jilien's is selling Elvis' 1972 Phoenix Suit belt on eBay. They expect it to go for between $8000 and $10000 US.
Description:
A white leather belt owned and worn by Elvis Presley, later given to actor and friend Jack Lord after a Hawaiian concert appearance in November 1972. The belt is heavily adored and embellished with mounted yellow metal Asian and Indian style medallions and jewelry pieces, some decorated with turquoise, lapis-like stones, faux gems, red, and black colored stones set in mounted jewelry pieces which appear throughout belt, together with a self attached triple-chain brass belt affixed at bottom, buckle having Dragon-like face, with various set stones. It has been noted that Elvis wore the belt with at least two different outfits, wearing it the last time with his well remembered heavily jeweled "Phoenix." Together with supporting documentation as well as a letter of authenticity from the estate of Jack Lord. Provenance: From the estate of Jack and Marie Lord. 38 inches length.
The URL is: http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/208-ELVIS-PRESLEY-WORN-BELT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ52935QQihZ012QQitemZ6629608637QQrdZ1
Elvis' 1972 Phoenix Suit Belt On Auction
June 13, 2006 | Other
elvislady wrote on
June 13, 2006
i think this belt should go to graceland along with elvisis other belts and costumes.
Devon wrote on
June 13, 2006
I think this should be donated to Graceland on loan, so that all fans will be able to enjoy it.
DEL BOY wrote on
June 14, 2006
Rather than spend monet refitting the Post Office, why not spend it on obtaining the belt.Afterall, the real fans would rather see the belt, and be able to buy stamps and have their postcards postmarked at Graceland. This is a true novelty, unlike those cheep tacky items that keep appearing in the numerous similar Gift shops on site.
oldie56~2 wrote on
June 15, 2006
This belt obviously has been discarded except for it's potential for profit by Jack Lord's Estate. It would certainly be noble of Sillerman to obtain it for the Elvis Archives. It has genuine collector's promenence and should be on display for all to see as part of Elvis Wardrobe. By being owned by an estate, it most likely won't happen. Another sad one like the Elvis Post Office being closed. The world is all about money! That is the almighty 'power'!
jeremytcb wrote on
June 15, 2006
Jack and Marie Lord were very generous and set up a foundation during their lifetime to support a number of worthy causes in their home state of Hawaii...one of these involving special research and treatment for blind children. All of the money from this auction goes to those charities. Graceland has plenty of belts to see. Jack and Marie Lord have passed away and wanted their charity vision carried out. Their estate is selling these things to do just that. People get on here all the time - this time talking about greed - and have no idea what they are talking about.
Teacher wrote on
June 16, 2006
Posted on the Elvis Insiders forum by Angie Marchese of the Graceland Archives: Previously in the early 90's we did purchase things at auction - prior to cataloging a majority of our wardrobe collection. However, now that we know the extent of the amount of items of Elvis's we have in archives, we currently are only keeping track of items at auction - the price they are going for and where they go to - for historical purposes. We are currently not aquiring any new items.
ranskal wrote on
June 21, 2006
jeremytcb - Great point! Elvis gave to charities all of his life and I'm sure he would be all-for what is happening with his belt.