Presleyana

Presleyana

The money for Presleyana: Collectors pay a king’s ransom for rock ’n’ roll memorabilia.

Almost everything Elvis Presley ever touched has since turned to gold. At a 1994 auction his sunglasses went for $26,450. His rhinestone jumpsuit garnered $68,500. Even his American Express Card pulled in$36,000. The items in the auction were from the collection of Jimmy Velvet, a former lounge singer and friend of Presley’s. “ Finally, there’s been a value established for Elvis,” Velvet said after the sale, which brought in 2.5 million – considerably more than he expected.

Some experts think the success of the Elvis auction has big implications for the broader, million-dollar Hollywood and music memorabilia market, one of the few sectors that, at least so far, has defied the art market’s recession.

Historically, however, the liquidation of major collection often turns out to be the peak of the market. Indeed, it already may be too late for amateurs to dive into the pricey King’s collectible market. Those who started buying Elvis items after 1977 will have a hard time selling their stuff, according to Steve Templeton, co-author of Elvis Сollectibles.

Robots. Illustration: Elena

The market boomed in 1980s and has later leveled off. The price of Elvis records and toys has fallen. But Elvis movie memorabilia was still hot for a long time.

Other experts recommended investing in rock bands like U2, Pearl Jam, and especially Nirvana since their lead singer, Kurt Cobain, committed suicide. As for Velvet, he is taking his auction proceeds and pouring the money into memorabilia owned by Dolly Parton, Liberace, and Madonna, all, he says, “good bets” for future price appreciation.

Toys worth their weight in gold

• Howdy Doody Puppets: The tin wind-up toy featuring Buffalo Bob at the piano.
• Beatles ceramic Figurines: Figures of the heavy metal heroes of Kiss are also popular.
• Japanese Toy Cars: The highly detailed tin lithograph versions from the 1950s and 1960s are particularly popular.
• PEZ Candy Dispensers: Look for limited editions like Santa Claus. Also big vintage Flinstones.
• Battery operated Robby the Robot: From the Sci-Fi classic Forbidden Planet. Other Robby figures are collected as well.
• Star Track Memorabilia: Trekkers love just about anything to do with the original cast.
• 1959 Barbie: Costumes and accessories are also hot.
• 1967 GI Joe Nurse: Other original one-foot-tall GI Joe dolls bring in about two hundred dollars.