Sheriff Elrod Campaign Badge with Bernardine Dohrn & Bill Ayers’ Desk Pen Holder
A Shocking Artifact!!
$500.00
Out of stock
This small but striking badge, emblazoned with the name "Sheriff Elrod" and "Democrat," is not just a campaign pin—it’s a symbolic reminder of the fraught relationship between former Cook County Sheriff Richard Elrod and radical activists Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Discovered on the very desk of the couple during an estate sale and left untouched with the pen and pencil holder it was found with, this badge encapsulates a dramatic chapter of American history where law enforcement and radical activism collided.
Why This Badge and Desk Holder Matter: Richard J. Elrod, a key figure in Chicago’s legal and law enforcement circles, became entangled with Ayers and Dohrn during a violent altercation in 1969, which left him permanently paralyzed. Despite the intensity of their opposition, Elrod later met with Ayers and Dohrn in 2001 for a historic dinner in which they expressed remorse for the events, though they stood firm in their political beliefs. This badge, found on the desk where Ayers and Dohrn likely reflected on their lives and legacy, is more than a campaign item—it’s a symbol of a complex, storied relationship.
Provenance and Significance:
Directly from the Ayers-Dohrn home: This pen and pencil holder was taken from the couple’s desk, where it was found complete with the badge and other personal items. It represents an artifact that ties together two opposing forces of the same history—radical activism and law enforcement.
Sheriff Richard Elrod’s legacy: Elrod’s injury during a 1969 anti-war protest became emblematic of the violent clashes between the state and the Weather Underground. His campaign badge reflects his subsequent career in law enforcement, serving 16 years as Sheriff of Cook County.
Historic value: This badge is a rare artifact with ties to both the personal and political histories of the Ayers-Dohrn household, creating a unique crossover appeal for collectors of radical memorabilia and political history.
Condition: The pen and pencil holder remains as it was found, untouched and preserved to maintain the context of its discovery. The badge itself shows some wear, with the paint slightly faded but still legible, adding to its vintage appeal.
Imagine This Historic Set Displayed in Your Home: Picture this badge and pen holder perfectly displayed in a shadow box, mounted on your wall—a poignant conversation piece that bridges the worlds of radical activism and law enforcement. Owning it is like holding a fragment of history, one that provokes thought and invites reflection on the complexity of America’s social and political landscape.
Value Estimate: Given its unique provenance and the rich historical context, this set’s collectible value is estimated to be between $300 and $500, making it a rare find for anyone interested in counterculture history or law enforcement memorabilia.
Own a Piece of Living History—this is your chance to acquire a singular artifact that speaks to the tension, conflict, and, ultimately, the humanity of two vastly different but intertwined legacies. All proceeds from this sale will support Shane Bugbee’s upcoming book, Bomb Ass Recipes from the Kitchen of Bill Ayers & Bernardine Dohrn, and the launch of his independent publishing house, Ink Flower Fun Fountain.
Act quickly—this set is truly one-of-a-kind and 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.