A guitar played by Elvis Presley in his final Las Vegas show is on offer in an auction of Hollywood memorabilia through iCollector.com. The Martin D-28 guitar was played by 'The King' during a performance at the Las Vegas Hilton in December 1976.
This Martin D-28 model guitar (serial number 361827), was used by Elvis in his last Las Vegas stage performances at the Las Vegas Hilton from December 2-12, 1976. In January, 1977 Elvis presented this guitar to his bodyguard, Sam Thompson. Following Elvis’ death, Thompson sold the guitar in 1978 to The National Enquirer to fund his college education. The National Enquirer presented “The Elvis Guitar” to Cheryl Schmerr who won a national contest of over 60,000 entries in a well-publicized event hosted by the tabloid.
The guitar, with original case, is accompanied by a notarized letter signed by Sam Thompson, along with a notarized copy of a letter from Elvis’ father, Vernon E. Presley, dated January 4, 1978, attesting that his son gave Thompson the Martin D-28 the previous year while at Graceland. Also comes with a color photograph of Elvis performing on stage with this guitar.
On the back of the guitar is some plastic residue where the belt on Elvis's jumpsuit melted because of the heat of the stage lighting.
Described as 'one of the most significant guitars to ever reach the market', the lot is expected to sell for up to £50,000.