Offered here is a collection of Elvis Presley and "Memphis Mafia" signed personal files. These documents are in reference to the deputation of Elvis and his closest friends by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department in the 1970s. Elvis had close ties to the Memphis Police and Shelby County Sheriff's Departments. The King of Rock & Roll had a tremendous respect for law enforcement officers and regularly doted on police officers through friendship and gifts. Those closest to Elvis have remarked that if not for his voice, Elvis would have enjoyed a career as a police officer. For further reference see the Shelby County diamond and ruby sheriff’s badge from Elvis’ personal collection that is in this auction. It is through this collection of paper ephemera that we get a glimpse into Elvis’ well-documented fascination with law enforcement. Six of these documents are signed by Elvis. The first part of this collection consists of Elvis’ special deputy applications. The first application is dated 10 October 1970 and the second application is dated 20 November 1974. Both applications are signed by Elvis. The 1974 application also provides handwritten answers to a series of personal questions whereas the 1970 application provides the only additional information of a home address. There is a 20 November 1974 dated affidavit of agreement for special deputy commission signed by Elvis. There are five unsigned application cover letters. Three letters are dated 25 November 1974, one letter is dated 15 August 1975, and one letter is date 2 September 1976. There is a 20 November 1974 directive authorizing the carrying of a weapon that is signed by Elvis. There is an 8 October 1970 dated and Elvis signed official bond and oath to the office of deputy sheriff. Other documents: honorary sheriff commission form dated 21 September 1964, photocopy of an affidavit of agreement, Shelby County special deputy requalification policy and Elvis’ signed rail travel card. The second grouping of documents consists of Elvis and friends special deputy identification cards. This includes 6 large notecard style personnel cards (one for Elvis, two for Elvis’ father Vernon Presley and three for Elvis' first cousin Billy Smith) and three laminated special deputy identification cards (one for Elvis confidant Charles Hodge, one for Elvis’ security guard and personal aide Alfred Strada and one for Elvis’ security guard and maintenance man William Pritchett, Jr.). The third and final part of this collection consists of a grouping of special deputy documents related to Elvis’ father Vernon. Included is a notarized affidavit on Shelby County Sheriff’s Department letterhead dated March 15, 2017 and is from Thomas Morgan, Jr., a friend to Elvis, nephew to Sheriff Gene Barksdale and member of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, who authenticates the documents. Morgan was the Administrative Assistant to Sheriff Gene Barksdale from 1976-1981, and after Elvis’ father died, Morgan obtained the files. A second notarized affidavit from Morgan explains his relationship with Elvis that began in the early 1950s when their families lived in the same apartment complex. Requested by Elvis' father, Morgan coordinated security for Elvis' funeral. A third affidavit from Morgan explains that he acquired Elvis’ railway travel card at an estate sale held by Elvis’ daughter.

Fine overall with clear Elvis Presley signatures. A unique paper ephemera collection that focuses on Elvis' life outside music and film.