Elvis Presley's guitar sells for over R4 million

09 January 2016 - 12:33 By Bang Showbiz

Elvis Presley's Gibson guitar was auctioned off for £185,000 (R4,379,744.72), over £20,000 (R473,485.92) under what the seller reportedly expected for it. The legendary rock 'n' roll star - who would have turned 81 on Friday - gave the 1969 Custom Gibson Ebony Dove to Mike Harris himself at a concert in 1975.Recalling the day he gave him the guitar, Mike told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "He struck a couple of licks on it, and then he just came to the edge of the stage and held it out by the neck."He said, 'This is yours. Hold on to that. Hopefully it'll be valuable one day.'"The rare piece - which Elvis played on stage for four years between 1971 and 1975 - was auctioned off at the late star's home in Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.It was reportedly expected to fetch up to £206,000 (R4,876,904.94) but ended up in the hands of a super-fan for just £185,000(R4,379,744.72), over £20,000 (R473,485.92) under what the seller was expecting for it.Also included in the sale was an original tape of Elvis performing and some jewellery items.The Suspicious Minds crooner passed away at the age of 42 on August 16, 1997...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.