Elvis Presley's Classical Guitar
Signed "Elvis"
Circa 1950s

A rare artifact of rock and roll history, this extraordinary guitar was owned, played and signed by Elvis Presley, the artist who redefined modern music. It was later gifted to a close friend, who recounts a 1976 Las Vegas meeting in which Elvis retrieved it from his car and performed “That’s All Right” on the spot. He then presented it to his friend as a gift, signing it with his unmistakable “Elvis” autograph and describing it as a source of good luck.

Elvis was photographed playing what is almost certainly this instrument in 1958 while stationed in Germany. A richly finished 1950s classical model, it is distinguished by a warm, polished body, contrasting black trim and a bold ink signature applied directly to the soundboard.

The guitar was chosen for the cover of Sotheby’s 1995 Collectors’ Carrousel catalog, affirming its importance. Elvis Presley’s enduring influence as a performer and ability to bridge gospel, country and rhythm and blues reshaped global popular culture, making surviving instruments associated with him among the most coveted in music memorabilia. Examples with documented provenance, direct ownership and his personal signature represent the rarest tier of Presley artifacts.

The instrument is accompanied by its certificate of authenticity issued by Graceland Records dated September 20, 1995, and Unique Images.