LOS ANGELES, CA.- Dressed in black leather with his guitar strapped across his chest, Elvis Presley strolled on stage in 1968 to perform in what would become his legendary TV Comeback Special. It was here that the King reclaimed his crown in one of his greatest performances of all time. With Kruse GWS Auctions’ long-standing reputation for offering the most iconic Elvis Presley memorabilia and producing record-breaking auctions in entertainment memorabilia, fine jewelry, iconic fashion and Royal artifacts, the auction house will exclusively offer the incredible Elvis Presley 1968 Comeback Special Cherry Red Hagstrom Viking II guitar at the Artifacts of Hollywood & Music Auction to be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m. P.T.

The Hagstrom Viking II guitar was played by the King of Rock and Roll, on December 3, 1968 on NBC Television. This marked the superstar’s return to live performance after seven years when his career was centered on the movie business. The guitar is cherry red with a majestic mother of pearl inlay and is also pictured with Elvis on the cover of his RCA album “From Elvis in Memphis.” There is no other guitar in Elvis Presley’s history that stood for a more monumental moment. The sheet music from the TV special will also be included in the auction.

The original special came together when Presley’s manager Col. Tom Parker and producer Bob Finkel formulated a strategy for Presley’s return to live touring. The tour’s launch began with The International Hotel in Las Vegas. The guitar has been exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum and has been in the same collection for almost 30 years.

Of other major historical proportions, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a varied collection of original 16mm work print film reels from the 1970 Academy Award winning Woodstock documentary by Michael Wadleigh. For 50 years, the film has been the primary reference for pop culture historians. It has been deemed as one of the most important films of the era and is revered as such to this day. The lot gives an authentic snapshot into what occurred at the Max Yasgur’s field and an extraordinary offering of music’s most celebrated event.

Film and Television Cars included in the auction include:
• The 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood from the iconic film “The Godfather” and originally owned by Mae West (photo below: Godfather Fleetwood)
• The 2006 Dodge Viper SRT One-of-a-Kind Bravado Banshee from “Grand Theft Auto V”
• The 1993 Ford Explorer from “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”
• The 1974 Ford Falcon XB Interceptor from “Mad Max Style”
• The 1964 Leslie Special from “The Great Race” and others.

From the monumental to the unexpected, the auction celebrates some of the highest grossing films in entertainment history, music’s most memorable moments and personal items from screen goddesses and award-winning actors.

“Kruse GWS Auctions is beyond thrilled to exclusively offer one of the most iconic guitars from Elvis Presley’s career – The 1968 Comeback TV Special was groundbreaking for Elvis and was a moment where he solidified and carved out his place in music history. This was truly “Elvis Un-Plugged.” I have dreamed of selling this iconic piece of history for as long as I can remember. This guitar played such a significant role in Elvis’ career and the world once again proclaimed him as the “King,” after his unforgettable performance. Along with many other exceptional artifacts like the original Woodstock film reels, iconic movie and TV cars as well as other items from the world of music and entertainment, this guitar truly stands alone as one of the most important historical items we have had the honor and privilege of selling.” – Dame Brigitte Kruse, Founder and Lead Auctioneer, Kruse GWS Auctions.

The Artifacts of Hollywood & Music Auction marks the first celebrity memorabilia auction for Kruse GWS Auctions of 2021. Additional highlights include: Elvis Presley’s personally owned Solid 14K Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel TCB Necklace; Elizabeth Taylor’s personally owned pair of drop earrings, blue and white rhinestone brooch and necklace; Marilyn Monroe’s personally owned watch; Michael Jackson’s personally owned Western shirt and much more.