Elvis Presley's Circle G Ranch Custom Riding Saddle Made by Mike McGregor W/Provenance From Bill McGregor & Friend of 50 Years (First to be Publicly Sold) - This incredible piece of Rock n Roll history is a custom leather riding saddle made for Elvis Presley by blacksmith and leather craftsman, Mike McGregor. After purchasing Circle G Ranch in 1967, Elvis purchased several retail saddles at the store for which McGregor was employed. When he discovered that he did not know how to properly cinch the saddles, Elvis returned to the store and asked McGregor to go to the ranch and set up all the horses. Soon after, McGregor was in charge of taking care of Circle G Ranch, with its horses, cattle and other equipment. McGregor originally made this saddle for himself, as it was essential to his job. He created what he called a work saddle, which was simple, sturdy and comfortable. McGregor said that the store bought saddles that Elvis had purchased weren't practical for everyday use, and soon Elvis discovered that he liked the comfort and feel of McGregor's hand crafted saddle. McGregor gave the saddle to Elvis to borrow until he could make him a new, more detailed one, but was kept so busy that the new one was not finished until after the horses and McGregors were moved to Graceland. The saddle has a leather maker's tag which reads, "Circle G Ranch, Mike McGregor," and is the only saddle with this Circle G tag. According to our seller, this saddle was used by Elvis on both Rising Sun and Midnight, at both the Circle G Ranch and at Graceland for several years. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own such a personal piece of the King, as this will be the first time a saddle he owned has been publicly sold. Although McGregor left Graceland in 1976 to open his own jewelry shop, he still helped out at the property until Elvis' death. The saddle was then returned to McGregor upon Elvis' death, and he displayed it at his new shop which opened in 1985. This piece will be accompanied by statements of provenance from McGregor's son Bill, and from a close personal friend of McGregor's of over 50 years. If you would like a full condition report or more information regarding the provenance or authenticity of this piece, please email brigitte@gwsauctions.com.