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John F. Kennedy: Pair of His Personal Wool "Long John" Underwear....
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Sold on Oct 24, 2025 for:
$5,250.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
John F. Kennedy: Pair of His Personal Wool "Long John" Underwear. An extraordinary and highly personal relic from America's 35th president. This well-worn pair of wool "long johns" carries a sewn-in ID label reading "John F. Kennedy," leaving no doubt as to their ownership.The pair boasts exceptional provenance. They were purchased by noted Maryland collector and dealer Richard Wilson at a highly publicized catalog of Kennedy memorabilia in 1998. The sale drew national media attention, with the New York Post illustrating its coverage with a photo of Wilson proudly holding this very pair. They realized $3,000 at the time, a strong result that underscored the appetite for personal Kennedy artifacts.
Their backstory is as colorful as their survival is improbable. In the early 1950s, Jacqueline Kennedy disposed of a quantity of furnishings, antiques, clothing, and household items through a Bethesda antiques dealer. Among them were two pairs of JFK's long johns-this pair, with label intact, and another unlabeled pair. Incredibly, the garments had been pressed into service as wrapping material for fragile glassware before making their way into collectors' hands. Wilson later offered the unlabeled pair for $5,500.
Objects of such intimacy from Kennedy are exceedingly rare in the marketplace. This pair, with clear identification, press-documented provenance, and an almost legendary collecting story, represents a remarkable opportunity for the advanced Kennedy or presidential collector.
Condition: Clearly worn, but they are in excellent condition.
Auction Info
2025 October 24 - 25 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6324 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2025
24th-25th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 298
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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