#4145 • Elvis Presley Show ID Badge For Muhammad Ali

Part of Archives of Hollywood & Music (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $20,000-$25,000 Elvis Presley Show Gold Member's ID Badge Issued to Muhammad Ali as "The Champ" W/(2) LOAs - This gold-colored ID badge was given to boxer Muhammad Ali by Elvis Presley. Elvis co-designed these badges and they were custom made by Apollo Designs in Los Angeles in the Summer of 1974. Members of Elvis' band and entourage were issued these metal cards which allowed them access backstage, replacing the paper tour backstage passes. The ID is embossed with the name "Muhammad Ali" and with "The Champ" underneath. The lower half of the card features the TCB logo and an Elvis Presley facsimile signature. Elvis first met Muhammad Ali in the early 1970s and the two developed a friendship and exchanged several gifts over the years. Ali later gave this badge to a member of his entourage, Lamont Reese. The badge will be accompanied by an Affidavit and Certificate of Authenticity from long time friend and road manager Joe Esposito, along with a second letter of authenticity from Jimmy Velvet of the Elvis Presley Museum, who purchased the piece from Reese. Velvet created the Elvis Presley Museum, the only museum in the world which is licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland, four years before Graceland opened its doors to the public. Velvet owned and was President of the museum, and amassed the largest authentic collection of artifacts owned by Elvis Presley in the world. The badge measures 3.5" x 2.25".