8377 - Elvis Presley Signed Photograph from Army Service in Germany

Elvis Presley Signed Photograph from Army Service in Germany Vintage matte-finish 3.25 x 5.5 photo of Elvis Presley in Army fatigues and field cap, standing with his hands on his hips beside the photo’s recipient, Julius Albig, outside a doorway, signed on the reverse in blue ballpoint, “Elvis Presley.” The reverse also bears a faint period studio stamp from Straubing and a notation in another hand, “Julius Albig 1958.” In fine condition, with scattered spotting and light soiling to both sides. Accompanied by a second vintage print of the same image, its reverse bearing a period handwritten inscription in German. The consignor notes that Albig worked as a cook at the base where Elvis was stationed in 1958 and prepared his daily meals, and that the two became acquainted, leading to this photo, which Elvis signed for him as a keepsake. Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army in March 1958 and later shipped out to Germany with the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor, serving there from October 1, 1958, until March 2, 1960. His time in Germany had a profound effect on his life and career: he met his future wife, Priscilla, was introduced to amphetamines, and, by serving as a regular soldier rather than accepting special treatment, earned the respect of an older generation of Americans, many of whom had previously viewed him in a negative light.