Elvis Presley's library card discovered in high school book

A library card signed by Elvis Presley has been discovered by a high school librarian, and is set to sell as part of Heritage Auctions' sale dedicated to the King on August 14.

Elvis Presley Library Card 1948
The card reveals Elvis' interest in America's seventh president


The card was signed by Presley at age 13 in 1948, after he borrowed a copy of The Courageous Heart: A Life of Andrew Jackson for Young Readers from the Humes High School library in Memphis, shortly after moving to the town from his birthplace of Tupelo.

It was discovered by a librarian from the Humes High library while clearing some old books from the school's inventory, but looks to have been previously seen by another student, who has furiously circled Elvis' name in red and blue pen and has also rewritten the date so that it is clear for future finders.

The signature is thought to be one of the earliest known autographs from the King, which pushes its estimate up to $4,000, despite being in relatively poor condition. The card will be sold along with the book it was found in.

Also featuring in the sale will be the original William Morris Agency motion picture contract Presley signed on January 31, 1956. The contract came at the end of one of the most important months in Elvis' entire career, having had his first recording session for RCA Victor, his 21st birthday, the release of his first single and his first network TV appearance on the Dorsey Brothers Show.

The same day that he visited the William Morris agency offices, he had also recorded eight new tracks including Blue Suede Shoes - one of his best-loved songs. The contract sealed the deal on Elvis' career on the big screen and saw him propelled to super-stardom within a few months. An incredible piece of Elvis memorabilia, it is expected to sell for $10,000.

You can see more of the auction's exciting offerings with our preview of the sale here.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a superb selection of Elvis Presley memorabilia currently on offer. We have two autographed photos from his US Army days, both charismatic depictions of the star in the early years of his career. You can even own an authentic strand of Elvis' hair, which was taken from the haircut he received shortly after being conscripted.

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