One of Elvis Presley’s (1935-1977) famous acoustic guitars has sold at auction for $1,3 million. We’re talking about historic “Sun Sessions” guitar, which the “King of Rock and Roll” embellished with a metal “Elvis” lettering. The letter “S” is missing today on the Martin D-18 model musical instrument from 1942. Elvis uses the instrument extensively both in the studio and during live performances, which can also be seen in the condition of the guitar. For example, the paint on the body is heavily worn and peeled off, which is attributed to Elvis’ hard stroke.
Auction house Gotta Have Rock and Roll said the price set a record for a piece of Elvis memorabilia, although it fell short of the $2 million to $3 million estimate the auction house had touted before the start of the online auction.
Before the auction, the Elvis guitar was owned by Seattle-based DMX Music’s Michael Malone, a noted collector of rock instruments and race cars. Malone bought the guitar at a Christie’s of London auction in 1993 for $151,700.