November 7, 2005

Regency-Superior Auctions Elvis Empire Collection

Beverly Hills, California – For all you Elvis Presley fans out there, you won’t believe the Elvis memorabilia up for sale at a special auction in Beverly Hills, California. Regency-Superior, a leading auctioneer of fine collectibles, is offering one of the largest, privately held collections of Elvis Presley memorabilia ever to hit the market – almost $2 million worth! The auction is being held January 7th & 8th in Beverly Hills.

This is the personal collection of Mr. Jim ‘E’ Curtin III, a lifelong Elvis fan – but, not just any fan. Jim has been the foremost Elvis tribute artist for many years performing live before thousands nationwide. Additionally, Jim has authored numerous books on The King, and recorded several music CD’s – all the while amassing personal items related to this 20th Century pop culture icon – a phenomenal accomplishment for someone who genuinely idolized the legend.

Jim Curtin has been an avid fan of Elvis Presley since he was eight years old. He has been collecting Elvis memorabilia for over 30 years, and is known to have one of the most extensive collections in the world, including over 20,000 photographs of Elvis as well as three of Elvis’ stage worn costumes. 

Mr. Curtin’s collection is extraordinary for its content and rarity, as well as its massive quantity. There are thousands of original SUN and RCA record albums (both American and foreign labels, some autographed by Elvis) over a hundred promotional records, an extensive sheet music collection, thousands of magazines, thousands of postcards and advertising posters, and hundreds of pieces of Elvis memorabilia produced by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

One of the record highlights includes a rare 1966 RCA 45rpm for ‘I’ll be Back’. Framed under Lucite, the white label reads “For Special Academy Award Consideration Only”. This record was made for submission to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is the rarest RCA Elvis single available to the public. Few were originally made and even fewer survived – this record being in outstanding condition.

From Elvis’ concerts, there are original ticket stubs, programs, backstage passes, worn scarves, guitar picks, belts, buckles – highlighted by three stage-worn suits. These elaborately, designed suits are well documented and coveted by the most avid collectors. 

One such suit is the nail-mirrored, white jumpsuit Elvis wore in concert at the Houston Astrodome on March 3, 1974 before a record-setting 88,000 fans. This suit was personally presented to Jim Curtin on March 31, 1975 by Elvis backstage in Las Vegas.

Another highlight of the collection includes two original ticket stubs to the Ed Sullivan TV Show on which Elvis appeared, October 28, 1956. Both stubs are inside the original ticket folder, and are the only ones known to exist. An incredibly rare offering housed in a Lucite holder and placed in a framed box.

The Elvis Empire collection will be auctioned over two days. The sale will take place in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills on January 7th & 8th. Viewing of all Elvis memorabilia is available during the week of the auction beginning on Tuesday, January 3rd. Online bidding with full color photographs will be available on the web beginning December 7th at www.RegencySuperior.com, and will include estimates and up-to-date opening bids. Additionally, collectors will be able to bid via ‘eBay Live’ during the sale.

Completely dedicated to Elvis Presley, the auction catalog itself is sure to become a collectible item. The cost of the catalog is $29, and may be ordered by contacting Regency-Superior at 229 N. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis MO 63108, or by calling toll-free at (800) 782-0066, or by visiting their website at www.RegencySuperior.com. The cost of the catalog is refundable towards any purchase made at the sale.

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