Elvis Presley's Sunglasses Head to Auction, Expected to Fetch Over $26,000

A pair of Elvis Presley’s iconic sunglasses, described as having personal significance, are set to go under the hammer at Propstore’s Music Live Auction in London. The eyewear is expected to sell for between $13,271 and $26,542.

These Neostyle sunglasses were originally given to Red West, a close friend, bodyguard, and martial arts sparring partner of Presley. West, in turn, gifted the sunglasses to Charlie Hodge, a friend who resided with Presley at Graceland. Hodge kept the sunglasses in his personal collection for approximately 25 years.

The sunglasses are being offered from the collection of Elvis Aaron Presley, Jr., who has claimed to be the illegitimate son of the famed entertainer. Presley, Jr. spent over 35 years accumulating and displaying Elvis memorabilia at The Elvis Presley Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Mark Hochman, Music Specialist at Propstore, highlighted the unique appeal of the sunglasses. "Few accessories are as instantly recognisable as Elvis’s sunglasses," Hochman stated. "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." He added, "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. emphasized the item's provenance. "People recognise this style immediately, but the story of this particular pair goes much deeper," he commented. "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."