The Gary Pepper collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia far exceeded expectations at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers on Sunday, drawing $304,818, nearly three times the original estimate.

A self-described “huge fan” of Elvis Presley paid a staggering $96,800 for two of the King's shirts at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers on Sunday – more than twelve times the expected selling price. John Urso of Inverness, Illinois, a Presley fan since childhood, competed with four phone bidders for ten minutes before the hammer fell with the sale room erupting applause. He said the purchase was “worth every penny” and plans to display the shirts alongside signed albums and photos.

Other items in the sale likewise brought more than ten times their original estimates. An inscribed Elvis Presley picture sleeve sold for $10, 370; a pair of sweat stained concert worn scarves sold for $2,318; an album of original Elvis Presley Polaroids sold for $7,930. A lock of Elvis's hair, expected to sell for much more than its estimate, was a relative bargain at $18,300. Only one lot, a pastel portrait of Elvis and Priscilla Presley's wedding day, failed to sell.

The Presley memorabilia, once owned by fan club president Gary Pepper, was said by enthusiasts to be one of the most important collections ever to emerge since Elvis's death.

For more information, please contact Mary Williams at 312.280.1212.
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