Original Graceland Life-Size Nativity Scene for Sale 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 fiberglass 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 molds to replace the existing set. The replica, which currently stands on the front grounds of Graceland during this Christmas season, cost $60,000.

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