Offered is one of the most incredible pieces of Elvis Presley's personal clothing we have ever seen come to the auction block: his black leather motorcycle belt emblazoned with "EP" and the fist image of the Pasaryu Karate Association. Elvis was fond of monogrammed items, we know, and Kang Rhee was an important karate instructor in Elvis' life. This belt also presents with two Korean characters on either side of the fist. It is unknown who gave the belt to Elvis, but it shows signs of heavy use. Elvis was an avid motorcyclist, and could often be seen riding around Memphis when he was at home. In the mid 1970s, Elvis gave the belt to a local Memphis heating and air conditioning contractor that was working at Graceland. The family-owned business serviced Graceland for more than 10 years starting in the late 1960s--the Graceland Archives has many invoices and receipts from the company. The belt has remained in the contractor's family for more than 45 years, and is accompanied by a letter from his brother. The letter reads in part:
My family's heating and air conditioning company worked at Graceland for more than a decade, until the late 1970s. My father owned the company, and my brother, James, and I often worked with him over the years. One day in about 1974 or 1975, my brother was working at Graceland when Elvis approached him, and the two began talking. My brother had expressed an interest in Elvis' Motorcycles, and before he knew it, Elvis had given him this black leather motorcycle belt with his initials on it, "EP". There is also a fist on both sides. After my brother passed, the belt came to me. It has been with our family since the day Elvis gave it to my brother, more than 45 years ago.
The motorcycle belt, also known as a "kidney" belt, is worn to support the back while riding. It is made of a thick, sturdy black leather and covered with metal studs. The belt measures 36 x 6 inches and presents with signs of heavy use, missing one of the belt buckles. Excellent to Mint condition.