SOLD: Original Vintage Football Jersey from Bill Ayers’ Personal Collection
American Counterculture History!
$1500.00
Out of stock
Original Vintage Football Jersey from Bill Ayers’ Personal Collection – A Unique Piece of American Counterculture History
This rare and authentic football jersey, emblazoned with the bold yellow number “1” and the name “AYERS” across the back, is not just a piece of sports memorabilia—it’s a tangible link to one of America’s most iconic radical figures, Bill Ayers. Discovered in the basement of his home during an estate sale personally advertised by Ayers on Twitter, this jersey was tacked to a wall, as if waiting to be found by the right person who understood its deeper significance.
The jersey, manufactured by Russell Athletic, retains its vintage charm, embodying a piece of Bill Ayers’ personal life that few have seen. With its rich purple fabric and vibrant yellow lettering, this is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of Ayers’ place in history, blending the lines between his personal identity and his public persona as a radical activist and thought leader.
Why This Jersey Matters: Bill Ayers, co-founder of the Weather Underground, has long been a polarizing figure in American history. His radical activism in the 1960s and 70s, coupled with his lifelong commitment to education and social justice, makes any artifact tied to his life incredibly significant for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. This jersey serves as a bridge between Ayers’ youth and his years as a revolutionary thinker—a reminder of the human side of someone who has shaped so many pivotal moments in countercultural history.
Provenance and Significance:
Obtained from Bill Ayers’ estate sale: This jersey was found in the Ayers-Dohrn family home, a place steeped in historical and political relevance. The sale itself was publicly announced by Bill Ayers, adding an additional layer of authenticity and connection to its origins.
Personal artifact: The item was tacked to a wall in their basement, an intriguing glimpse into how Ayers viewed and stored personal memorabilia—perhaps as a memento of past triumphs or moments of personal significance.
Certificate of Authenticity: Comes with a certificate embossed with the phrase: “From the home of Bernardine Dohrn and Bill Ayers,” complete with the Weather Underground logo and the rallying phrase, “All Power to the People.”
Historic value: As a member of the Weather Underground, Ayers’ life and work have been studied, debated, and celebrated. This jersey is not merely a collectible but a fragment of a living legacy that has inspired countless activists, educators, and historians.
Condition: This jersey is in good vintage condition with expected wear consistent with age. The fabric is intact, with vibrant colors that have held up remarkably over the years. The tag shows signs of aging but remains legible, identifying it as a Russell Athletic original made in the U.S.A.
A One-of-a-Kind Collector’s Item: Whether you’re a collector of radical memorabilia, a scholar of American history, or an admirer of Bill Ayers’ lifelong work, this jersey stands as a rare opportunity to own a piece of history. Items like this, especially from such a well-known and controversial figure, are almost never available in public sales. This jersey is an irreplaceable addition to any collection that values the intersection of personal story and political impact.
Imagine This Historic Jersey Framed on Your Wall: Imagine owning this iconic piece, perfectly framed and displayed in your home, a true conversation starter and a visual reminder of the complex history and revolutionary spirit of the 1960s. Owning it is like holding a piece of living history—a powerful statement piece that will instantly elevate any collection.
Own a Tangible Piece of Radical History—this is your chance to acquire a unique artifact directly linked to one of the most influential activists of the 20th century. All proceeds from this sale go toward supporting Shane Bugbee’s newest project, Bomb Ass Recipes from the Kitchen of Bill Ayers & Bernardine Dohrn, and the launch of his independent publishing house, Ink Flower Fun Fountain.
Act now—this is truly a one-of-a-kind piece that won’t be available again.
Accepting your best offers on all items - Let's make a deal!!
Certificate of Authenticity
Each item in this exclusive collection of Unique Artifacts has been personally curated from the home of American revolutionaries Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Spanning their long careers as activists and radical organizers, these rare pieces are more than just collectibles—they’re tangible pieces of history that bear witness to a life of resistance, community building, and defiance against the status quo.
Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring an embossed stamp that reads: “From the Home of Bernardine Dohrn & Bill Ayers,” accompanied by the Weather Underground logo and the powerful phrase “Power to All People.” This stamp certifies the provenance of these historically significant items, ensuring their authenticity and preserving the legacy of two individuals who helped shape American political activism.
Whether it’s a well-worn political pamphlet that fueled the fires of rebellion or a personal artifact from their private collection, this certificate guarantees that you’re holding a genuine piece of radical history.