The Shirt Off Elvis's Back

By Stephen M. Silverman

07/06/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

Part of Elvis Presley's circa 1958 U.S. army uniform will hit the block in London tomorrow, the British auction house of Bonhams and Brooks announced yesterday. What distinguishes the G.I. garment, other than the fact that it was worn by the King when he was posted to Germany, is a highly visible paint stain on the sleeve that Elvis picked up when he accidentally leaned against a window, reports Reuters. The shirt, stained sleeve and all, is expected to fetch $36,000. (The U.S. Army issued Elvis a clean shirt when he ruined this one, which at the time of the accident reportedly ended up in the hands of the painter.) The current owner of the Elvis shirt is Johnny Earle, said to be a diehard British Presley fan.