Skip to main content
Go to accessibility options

Description

Elvis Presley Related - Sonny West's Suit Worn during Elvis' Historic Meeting with President Nixon (1970). This had to be one of the most "interesting" meetings ever held in the Oval Office, December 21, 1970. World peace was not discussed, a war was not averted, a treaty was not signed. Simply stated, the most famous entertainer in the world and two of his associates met with President Richard Nixon, a man Elvis admired and respected. Elvis just wanted to express his love for the country and offer his services toward ridding it of the dangerous drug culture. One of Elvis' associates was Sonny West, a friend and personal bodyguard. This is the two-piece suit he wore that day- a black herringbone-type design with a light blue stripe, two button front jacket and tailored by Jack West of Beverly Hills. Several photos show the meeting with West wearing this suit. Fine condition with just a couple of minor flaws noted.
This meeting was initiated by Presley who wrote Nixon a long letter while on an American Airlines flight with California Senator George Murphy. Elvis had a "...concern for our country. The Drug Culture, The Hippie Elements, The SDS, Black Panthers, etc. do not consider me as their enemy or as they call it the Establishment. I call it America and I Love it. Sir, I can and will be of any Service that I can to help the Country out. I have no concern or motives other than helping the country out." He wanted to be made a "Federal Agent-at-Large" in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. During the meeting, Presley gifted the president with a special presentation Colt .45 pistol and some family photos. Before he left that day, Elvis was presented with a personal badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The original letter that Elvis wrote to Nixon is in the National Archives. Included with this lot is a color copy of all six pages.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
August, 2012
14th Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 4,517

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $50,000 (minimum $14), plus 20% of any amount between $50,000 and $1,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $1,000,000 per lot.

Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Sales Tax information

Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More

Terms and Conditions  |  Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments |  Glossary of Terms
Sold on Aug 14, 2012 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)
Track Item