“The King’s” Revolver Sells for Nearly $200K

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis's revolver has left the building.

posted on September 6, 2023
Uh thank you, thank you very much

Elvis Presley’s Smith & Wesson’s Model 53 revolver was appraised earlier this year at between $60,000 and $90,000, but when the gavel fell on Aug. 26 during a Rock Island Auction sale it went home to a winning bidder who paid $199,750. The well-documented, Russell Smith exhibition-engraved handgun was originally purchased in 1974, but it returned to the factory in 1976 to be transformed into the masterpiece it is today—one once owned by “The King” of rock and roll himself.

The .22 Magnum pistol was customized for the nation’s bicentennial celebration and features a gold-engraved minuteman on one side of the receiver and an American Eagle and flag on the other above the words “The Spirit of 76.” Other touches include the Liberty Bell on the backstrap, gold plating on the cylinder and much more. A matching .22 LR cylinder was included.

Along with the gun, the winning bidder now owns Smith’s original pencil drawing of the proposed engraving, along with handwritten notes and a job card listing Presley as the owner. The sketch provides additional insights into how the striking design came into being. Also included is the Smith & Wesson company newsletter prominently featuring the firearm as “Elvis Presley’s Bicentennial Model 53 done by Russ Smith.” 

The revolver’s surface wears Smith’s striking floral scrollwork with gold inlaid bands at the muzzle and breech. Its adjustable rear sight has a gold outline, a gold bead is on the front sight and, combined with the handgun’s walnut presentation case, it’s undoubtedly one of the most striking rimfires ever crafted. Appraisers estimate more than 99 percent of its original, bright factory-blue finish remain on the gun.

Unfortunately, Elvis didn’t have much time to enjoy this work of art, though. The finished revolver was delivered on Nov. 16, 1976. Presley died in Graceland, TN, on Aug. 16, 1977, although doppelgangers sightings at UFO crash sites and gas pumps continue to this day.

Latest

caution sign on head graphic
caution sign on head graphic

Don’t Overthink Your Shooting

As Yogi Berra famously said, 90 percent of the game is 50 percent mental.

First Look: New Ammunition From Berger

Two new rounds designed for the long-range game.

Rifles: Centered and Silent

When firing a suppressed rifle, keeping the bullets away from the baffles is key for safety, performance and preservation of the can itself.

First Look: Franklin SKR-C1 Binary Trigger

A drop-in upgrade to your FN SCAR.

Evolution Of A Champion

The .38 Spl. cartridge changed as the world changed.

First Look: SecureIt Biometric Gun Storage

Access the safe contents quickly without the hassle of finding a key.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.