This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2023
Elvis Presley Owned and Played Gibson LG-1 Acoustic Guitar Used in the Production of Paramount Pictures' 1957 Film "Loving You,"
Offered here is Elvis Presley's owned and played Gibson LG-1 acoustic guitar that was also used in the production of his Paramount Pictures 1957 film "Loving You." The guitar bears the Paramount Pictures Prop Department stamp on the inside which can be seen clearly through the sound hole. This guitar was being used in the production, in the first musical number, and when Paramount decided to use a different guitar, they notified the Paramount Prop Department and asked them to release the guitar to Elvis as a gift. In an inter-offer communication from Paramount Corp. to the Prop Department, the request is made to give Elvis the guitar as a gift, stating "We hope to have a long and prosperous relationship with him and the Colonel." Elvis was often gifted the guitars he used in his films. Elvis is seen here in a promotional photograph with this guitar, or one identical to it, and the photograph accompanied the guitar. He is also pictured here in a scene from the film using the guitar that it was replaced with.
The guitar is accompanied by a letter from Elvis's long-time friend, "Memphis Mafia" member Charlie Hodge. Charlie first met Elvis when he played with the Foggy Mountain River Boys, and then met him again in 1958 on the way to Germany when they were both serving in the U.S. Army. According to Charlie, Elvis had various guitars that he used to play when they were in Germany, and they would have informal jam sessions along Red West and Lamar Fike. Charlie would remain close friends with Elvis throughout Elvis' life, living at Graceland in a basement apartment that Elvis made for him. He was Elvis' stage director and sang harmony for the shows, as well as appearing as an extra in many of his films.
Condition: Very Good.
Authentication: In addition to the letter from Charlie Hodge, the guitar comes with the original Paramount Pictures Corporation West Coast Studios Inter-Office Communication dated Decembe14, 1956 regarding Production #10212 (the "current Presley production") advising the prop department of the change, and asking them to gift the guitar to Elvis, with an original Paramount Pictures Corporation envelope. Also comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.