According to the information on eBay the
original life-size Nativity scene
created for Elvis Presley's Graceland in
1965 is now for sale on eBay.
Currently owned by Les Birchfield and
Med Phipps of Memphis, the Nativity
scene was handmade by Phipps' late
father and Memphis artist Hardy Phipps.
Elvis' father Vernon Presley contracted
with the artist to provide the annual
Christmas scene and paid $1,140 for the
first year's rental on Dec. 8, 1965.
The hand-painted fibreglass Nativity
scene served as the backdrop for Elvis
and Priscilla's 1965 photo Christmas
card. The stable is a three-piece
structure comprised of the roof and two
supporting side pieces measuring
approximately 15 feet wide. The nine
figurines included in the Nativity scene
are Mother Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus in a
manger, three kneeling wise men, one
standing shepherd, one angel and one
calf's head.
The angel that hung above the Holy
Family was removed from the scene
shortly after its debut because Elvis
thought the figurine to be too shapely
and inappropriate for a religious
representation.
As a young man, Med Phipps helped his
father Hardy assemble the scene on the
grounds of Graceland each year and said
the set brought much joy to Elvis and
his fans.
Later, Hardy Phipps was hired to make a
replica of the original Nativity scene
from the original moulds to replace the
existing set. The replica, which
currently stands on the front grounds of
Graceland during this Christmas season,
cost $60,000.
The following items are included in the
Nativity scene:
� Mother Mary
� Joseph
� Three kneeling wise men
� One standing shepherd
� One angel
� One calf�s head
� Three-piece stable (roof and two
supporting side pieces, approximately 15
feet wide overall)
For more information about the Nativity
scene, visit
www.ebay.com
� item number 320198705095.
Posted: 23rd. December 2007