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Historian Says Priscilla Presley Unaware of Elvis Items at Auction

In a recent development surrounding the ongoing legal dispute between Priscilla Presley and her former business partner Brigitte Kruse, music historian Stephen Shutts has weighed in on the matter. Shutts, who is also the owner of Rockology Auctions, has expressed his belief that Priscilla Presley is largely unaware of the authenticity of certain Elvis Presley memorabilia that has been sold at auction. This assertion comes amidst allegations of misappropriation and authenticity concerns regarding items sold by GWS Auctions, the auction house founded by Kruse.

Background of the Dispute

The legal battle began when Priscilla Presley’s attorney, Marty Singer, filed a lawsuit against Brigitte Kruse and others, alleging that they had taken advantage of the 79-year-old Presley and misappropriated $1 million. Kruse’s representatives have denied these allegations, asserting that they are unfounded. The lawsuit has drawn significant media attention, particularly due to the involvement of Elvis Presley memorabilia, which has long been a subject of interest for collectors and fans alike.

In the wake of the lawsuit, Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley, raised questions about the authenticity of certain items sold by GWS Auctions. This included a gold pendant and a pair of cufflinks, which Graceland claimed were acquired by Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, before Priscilla entered Elvis’s life. This assertion has led to further scrutiny of the items being sold and the claims made by GWS Auctions regarding their provenance.

Stephen Shutts’ Insights

Stephen Shutts, who has extensive experience in the memorabilia market, has stated that Priscilla Presley would not have the knowledge necessary to authenticate items belonging to Elvis after their separation in 1972. According to Shutts, while Priscilla maintained a relationship with Elvis due to their shared daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, she was not involved in the details of Elvis’s personal possessions, such as jewelry and firearms.

Shutts emphasized that Priscilla’s lack of involvement in Elvis’s life post-separation would hinder her ability to accurately assess the authenticity of items sold at auction. He noted, “Priscilla stayed in touch with Elvis, they shared a daughter, they shared custody, obviously, but Priscilla was not around, absolutely not to know jewelry, guns, that sort of thing.” This perspective raises questions about the reliability of the claims made by GWS Auctions regarding the items they have sold.

GWS Auctions’ Defense

In response to the allegations and concerns raised by Graceland, GWS Auctions issued a statement asserting that they stand behind the authenticity of the items they sell. They claimed that Priscilla had maintained a close relationship with Colonel Parker until his death in 1997, which they argue could lend credibility to the items being sold. However, the auction house’s reliance on “letters of recollection” rather than formal certificates of authenticity has raised eyebrows among collectors and historians alike.

Shutts pointed out that this approach could be seen as a way to circumvent potential legal ramifications regarding the authenticity of the items. The distinction between letters of recollection and certificates of authenticity is significant, as the latter typically carries more weight in the collectibles market.

Reactions from Elvis Presley Enterprises

Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, echoed Shutts’ sentiments, questioning how Priscilla could accurately know what items Elvis possessed or gifted during their separation. He stated, “If they hadn’t talked for months and months and months in person, how does she know what Elvis did and didn’t do?” This skepticism further complicates the narrative surrounding the authenticity of the memorabilia in question.

Conclusion: A Complex Situation

The ongoing legal dispute between Priscilla Presley and Brigitte Kruse, coupled with the questions surrounding the authenticity of Elvis memorabilia, has created a complex situation that continues to unfold. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the courts will address the allegations and what implications this will have for the future of Elvis memorabilia sales. The insights provided by historians like Shutts and the responses from GWS Auctions and Elvis Presley Enterprises will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping public perception and legal outcomes.

FAQs

1. What is the nature of the lawsuit filed by Priscilla Presley?

Priscilla Presley’s lawsuit alleges that her former business partner, Brigitte Kruse, and others took advantage of her and misappropriated $1 million.

2. Who is Stephen Shutts?

Stephen Shutts is a music historian and the owner of Rockology Auctions, with extensive experience in the memorabilia market.

3. What items are in question regarding authenticity?

The authenticity of several Elvis Presley memorabilia items sold by GWS Auctions, including a gold pendant and cufflinks, has been called into question.

4. What is GWS Auctions’ stance on the authenticity of their items?

GWS Auctions claims to stand behind the authenticity of all items they sell and denies trafficking in fake or inauthentic items attributed to Elvis Presley.

5. How has Graceland responded to the allegations?

Graceland has raised concerns about the authenticity of items sold by GWS Auctions and has provided context regarding the timeline of when certain items were acquired.

6. What is the significance of “letters of recollection” in this context?

Letters of recollection are personal accounts or memories related to an item, but they do not carry the same weight as formal certificates of authenticity in the collectibles market.

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