A Bicentennial Gun for Elvis Presley by Russ Smith

[pasound]

No gun pictures, but a pic my mother took of Elvis when he played our Civic Center in mid 1976. She had tickets close to the front, asked me to go with her, and I said no. Sorry to this day I wasn't there to see him live.

 

[22hipower]

With that serial number I would think it should be a Model 53-2, not a Model 53.

That is a very interesting point. I have one almost 35000 numbers earlier that is a -2.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[kennyb]

I too am a huge Elvis fan. The last time I saw him was June 1976, Richmond, Va. While I do not have one of his guns (sadly) A long time associate did (model 15) The gun was stolen may years ago but, the S&W box was left behind. I DO have that in my collection!

 

[5thcommjarhead]

There are collectibles - and then there are COLLECTIBLES.

 

[PPS1980]

Elvis Smith & Wesson Model 53 sells at auction

Elvis Presley's Revolver Sells at Auction For $200K

 

[CH4]

Cool piece!
Had I known about the auction, I would have given serious consideration to joining the frey... up to $15K.

 

[Bald1]

I read something awhile back where they thought it might bring $500k. Interesting article in Guns Magazine a few months ago. As a child Elvis' mother took him to the hardware store for a bicycle. Elvis sees a.22 rifle and wants that instead. They compromised and he got a guitar. The rest is history.

 

[jmiles1960]

I read that Elvis had a huge interest in firearms during his life time. Can't imagine what happened to all the others and their value today.

 

[PPS1980]

I read that Elvis had a huge interest in firearms during his life time. Can't imagine what happened to all the others and their value today.

I seem to recall a snubbie being auctioned off years ago. Went with his Deputy Sheriff's badge as I recall.

 

[Mbrgr1]

 

[ameridaddy]

Blue suede shoes and a Highway Patrolman makes the man in some places.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Blue suede shoes and a Highway Patrolman makes the man in some places.

And Argyle socks!

 

[rosewood]

I read that Elvis had a huge interest in firearms during his life time. Can't imagine what happened to all the others and their value today.

There are in the Museum at Graceland. At least were several years ago when I visited. He seemed fond of the 1911. Had his own little shooting range in backyard, set up targets on utility poles packed close together. They said he used to take flash bulbs, toss in pool and shoot at them. They flashed/popped when the water hits the magnesium I think.

Rosewood

 

[LPD256]

Those of us that attended the Symposium in NC last year were fortunate to see the gun up close and personal. It's a true beauty. Just one more reason to join the SWCA and go to the SWCA Symposium.

 

[22hipower]

Those of us that attended the Symposium in NC last year were fortunate to see the gun up close and personal. It's a true beauty. Just one more reason to join the SWCA and go to the SWCA Symposium.

Indeed, and could have bought it at dinner that night for only $150,000. Seemed like a lot at the time. . . .

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I seem to remember seeing a 6" Colt Python that belonged to Elvis at the Muscle Car Museum in Sevierville Tn. some years ago.

 

[diyj98]

$200K? That's a "hunka, hunka burning" cash...

 

[Bajadoc]

I hope whoever bought that is not "All shook up" because they can no longer afford some "Blue Suede Shoes". I guess it was "Now Or Never" or just a "Burning Love" for that piece. He went after it like a "Hound Dog". Hopefully the buyer doesn't end up in "Heartbreak Hotel", I know, "Don't Be Cruel".

 

[Mbrgr1]

I hope whoever bought that is not "All shook up" because they can no longer afford some "Blue Suede Shoes". I guess it was "Now Or Never" or just a "Burning Love" for that piece. He went after it like a "Hound Dog". Hopefully the buyer doesn't end up in "Heartbreak Hotel", I know, "Don't Be Cruel".

I'm not sure if I should "like" this post or report it!

 

[handejector]

I missed this thread in August.
I was very pleased with the results Rock Island obtained. My consignor was also.

Here is a link to the gun in the auction catalog:
Lot 1504: Elvis Presley's Exhibition Quality S&W Model 53 Revolver
The gun hammered at $170,000. With Buyer's Premium, it totaled $199,750

An article about this and other guns:
Elvis' Guns: The Bicentennial Smith & Wesson

Another article that shows more of the Mod 19 and the Python:
Elvis Revolver Memorabilia – The King and His Collection

The catalog listings for the other Elvis guns and Elvis's badge sold by RIA in 2017:
Lot 471: Elvis Gifted Smith & Wesson Model 19-2 Revolver to Veep Agnew
Lot 472: Embellished Colt Python Revolver Presented by Elvis Presley
Lot 473: Elvis Presley's Gem Studded Shelby County Sheriff's Badge