The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
1956 was a busy year for Elvis and by December he had released seven EPs, one double EP, two albums and 11 singles and had made his movie debut in Love Me Tender. His star was shooting ever higher and the fans could not get enough as evidenced in the offered black-and-white photo depicting Elvis surrounded by fans ready to sign autographs. The day the photo was shot, December 12, 1956, Elvis had donated toys to a Marines drive and then stopped by the police station for a visit before going to see Storm of the Nile at the Malco Theater. Judging from the police officer helping Elvis get to his car through the throngs of fans, the picture was likely taken during Elvis’ travels that afternoon and perhaps as he was departing the station. The black and white photo of Elvis near Center Lane contains a handwritten pencil notation on the reverse “Elvis Presley / Swamped by fans - signs autographs / Date 12/12/56.” While this photo emanates from the original newspaper photographer, the lack of press room markings for cropping or stampings on the reverse likely indicate it was never published in the newspaper. The image of a smiling Elvis measures 8 by 10 inches (20.32 x 25.4 cm) and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
The printed image is in excellent condition with minor corner creasing and tiny surface blemishes in printing. The reverse has creases on the center left edge.