The Auction on Elvis Presley BLVD August 14, 2022

1956 Topps “Elvis Presley” Complete Set (66) Plus 1978 Donruss “Elvis Presley” Complete Set (66)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2022

*From the Darline Cleary Elvis Presley Collection.

Offered is a complete set of 66 cards of the 1956 Topps "Elvis Presley" cards. The first 46 cards of the set feature full-color images of Elvis in his musical career on the front with a descriptive caption contained in a red guitar. These 46 became known as the “Ask Elvis” cards, because on the back is the image of a telephone operator with the title “Ask Elvis,” under which a question is posed and then answered in Elvis’ voice, with his printed signature below. The only exception is the “Record Collector’s Check List” card that lists on the reverse the current Elvis 45 RPM records of the time. The presented example is in exemplary condition--it is normally marked up with check marks, but this one is clean, though suffers some corner wear---Excellent condition. The remaining 20 cards feature Elvis’ film debut in Love Me Tender with full-color images of scenes from the movie captioned in a red movie clapboard replacing the red guitar. This set is highly sought-after by collectors as the most popular entertainment series of trading cards produced, and the first to feature a single music artist. The set was produced in what was the standard larger Topps trading card size, each card measuring 3 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches. The set presents with moderate wear to most cards. Excellent condition overall, with several lesser.

Also included is a complete 66-card set of the 1978 Donruss "Elvis Presley" issue, as well as a complete 50-card set of the Dutch 1978 Monty Gum "Elvis Presley" issue, plus an original wrapper from the set. Both present in Near Mint condition.

The Darline Cleary Elvis Presley Collection

Rockhurst Auctions is proud to present the first offering from the Darline Cleary Elvis Presley collection, which includes movie posters, record store displays, vintage concert memorabilia and other choice items to be offered in our next several auctions.

Darline was a sweet, caring, and generous woman who always put the needs of others before her own. She was genuine and kind with a soft, quiet, humble style always there to listen, offer a hug, give encouraging words of support, and enjoy time with family. With husband Jim of 69 years, she was the proud mom of 6 children and the loving grandma of 11 grandkids and 2 great grandkids. She enjoyed family gatherings and, most of all, spending time with her loved ones. Her appreciation of the precious joys in life was truly special.

Darline was a true Elvis fan and friend who appreciated, respected, and admired the giving and caring qualities of the man Elvis was and the millions of lives he touched around the world. She enjoyed watching his captivating concert performances, listening to his wide range of music from soft ballads to uplifting high energy songs to inspirational Gospel. The happiest of her memories was seeing Elvis perform in Chicago twice, traveling several times to Memphis to visit Graceland, looking at all the beautiful flowers, reading messages written on the wall, sitting in the Meditation Garden and talking with Elvis friends. Those were special times to enjoy the strong bond that brought them all together.

In March of 2021, with her family by her side, she peacefully passed away. On behalf of her family, the proceeds of her personal collection of Elvis treasures will be going to charitable organizations, families, patients, and children in need including St. Jude's Hospital. In her memory, we hope others can share in the happiness and appreciation she cherished through the love of Elvis' music, the incredible gifts he gave the world, the memories made and those yet to come.