Sunglasses worn by Elvis to fetch thousands at auction

By Dean Murray

Elvis's sunglasses are set to fetch $26,700 at auction.

Worn by The King, the Neostyle eyewear were given to close friend, bodyguard and martial arts sparring partner Red West.

West then gifted them to Charlie Hodge, a friend who lived with Elvis at Graceland and kept them in his personal collection for 25 years.

They are being offered from the collection of Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr., a performer who claimed to be the illegitimate son of Presley.

Presley, Jr. spent more than 35 years collecting and exhibiting Elvis memorabilia, displaying it at The Elvis Presley Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Mark Hochman, Propstore's Music Specialist, said: "Few accessories are as instantly recognizable as Elvis's sunglasses. What makes this pair especially compelling is its personal history: Elvis gave them to Red West, and they later spent 25 years in Charlie Hodge's collection.

"At Propstore, we're excited to offer collectors a piece with such a close connection to the King and the people around him."

Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr., commented: "People recognize this style immediately, but the story of this particular pair goes much deeper. They passed from Elvis to Red West and then to Charlie Hodge, two people who knew him closely.

"I've spent more than 35 years sharing Elvis memorabilia with fans, and I hope the next owner will value the personal history behind these sunglasses as much as their connection to the King."

The sunglasses, estimated at $13,350–$26,700, will be offered at Propstore's Music Live Auction, taking place in London this week.