The Collectors
SEARCH
Friday 9 November 2007
watch entire episode 
download entire episode
As it’s just over thirty years since Elvis left the building for the final time, this week Andy heads along to the West Leagues Club in Newcastle where Rusty Roberts’ Elvis collection is on display.
Rusty’s collection includes rarities such as the very first ‘Hound Dog’ badge produced by Elvis Presley Enterprises in 1956. Other items on show produced by Elvis’ company include a Dog Tag key chain and Love Me Tender necklace. This extensive collection also features a range of products with the Taking Care of Business in a Flash logo Elvis designed in 1971. Rusty had a special TCB necklace made exactly like the one Elvis wore as this design was never sold.
Rusty’s children Elvis and Chynna say that their friends who come to visit are terrified by some of the memorabilia around their home but they feel comfortable with it because they have grown up with it.
One of the more unusual pieces in Rusty’s collection is stamps of Elvis’ finger prints. Rusty acquired these from the singer’s karate instructor who had taken his prints when he first started training. Rusty also owns Elvis’ 7th degree black belt certificate plus a photo of Elvis being awarded with it.
Rusty always enjoys meeting people who have had something to do with Elvis’ life. He has taken photos with members from Elvis’ band, his body guard, close friends and even the person who came on stage at the end of Elvis’ performances and said “Ladies and gentlemen Elvis has left the building”.
The exhibition of Rusty’s collection has unfortunately finished now.
