In a surprising turn of events, an auction held in Los Angeles witnessed an intense bidding war as collectors vied for personal items once owned by some of the world’s most influential figures. The auction, organized by Julien’s Auctions under the theme “Spotlight: History and Technology,” showcased a variety of memorabilia, drawing significant attention from history enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Among the most talked-about items was a pair of ivory cotton boxers once worn by former U.S. President John F Kennedy, which fetched an astonishing $9,100. The event also featured a black hoodie previously owned by Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and a signature bow tie worn by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, both of which commanded even higher prices.
A Historic Auction in Los Angeles
John F Kennedy’s boxers, believed to date back to his time in the U.S. Navy during the 1940s, were a standout highlight of the auction. The undergarment, made of ivory cotton and featuring a hand-stitched label bearing Kennedy’s nickname, “Jack,” was linked to his service as a naval officer during World War II.
As the commander of the torpedo boat PT-109, Kennedy narrowly escaped death after a collision with a Japanese destroyer in the Solomon Islands. His leadership and courage during this harrowing experience earned him national recognition and foreshadowed his future political career. The auction listing described the boxers as an intimate piece of history, directly tied to one of America’s most iconic presidents.
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Presidential memorabilia has long been a source of fascination for collectors and history buffs. The personal items of past leaders often hold sentimental and historical significance, making them highly sought after at auctions. Over the years, various items belonging to U.S. presidents have fetched impressive sums, reflecting the enduring legacy of these figures in American history.
The Fascination with Presidential Memorabilia
The auction of Kennedy’s boxers is not the first instance of personal garments belonging to a president being sold for high sums. Similar auctions have seen items such as Abraham Lincoln’s bloodstained gloves, George Washington’s hair, and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s cigarette holder being sold to the highest bidders. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing collectors to own a piece of history.
In the case of John F Kennedy, his assassination in 1963 and the subsequent mythos surrounding his presidency have only amplified interest in his belongings. As one of the most charismatic and influential leaders of the 20th century, Kennedy continues to captivate the public imagination.
February 27, we held our anticipated SPOTLIGHT: HISTORY & TECHNOLOGY auction and saw remarkable activity on all lots sold to eager bidders.
— Julien's Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) March 1, 2025
The auction included historic photographs, documents, and memorabilia related to notable events and figures from former presidents to tech… pic.twitter.com/URrUdetKMO
His leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, his advocacy for space exploration, and his vision for civil rights have cemented his place in history. Owning a personal item of Kennedy’s, even something as mundane as a pair of boxers, carries symbolic weight and represents a direct link to the man who once led the free world.
Beyond presidential items, the auction also saw a bidding frenzy for other noteworthy memorabilia. A black hoodie worn by Mark Zuckerberg in 2010, the year he was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year, was expected to sell for around $1,000 but ended up fetching an astonishing $15,875.
The hoodie, made by the Alternative brand, was worn by Zuckerberg on multiple occasions and even featured Facebook’s original mission statement on the inside lining. The winning bidder also received a handwritten note from Zuckerberg, adding to the hoodie’s sentimental and historical value.
The Rise of Tech and Pop Culture Memorabilia
While traditional historical memorabilia such as Kennedy’s boxers continue to attract collectors, the rising interest in tech-world and pop culture artifacts is becoming increasingly apparent. Items associated with influential figures from Silicon Valley and the entertainment industry are now commanding impressive sums at auctions, highlighting a shift in collectible trends.
One of the standout sales at the Los Angeles auction was a bow tie worn by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, which sold for an impressive $35,750. This green Wilkes Bashford design with pink stripes far exceeded its estimated value of $1,000.
Jobs, known for his minimalist fashion choices, was rarely seen wearing formal accessories, making this bow tie a unique and valuable collector’s item. The tie was reportedly worn by Jobs during two photo shoots for a Macintosh computer launch in 1984, as well as at a conference in Aspen in 1983 and an Apple shareholder meeting the following year.
The growing interest in memorabilia from tech industry leaders underscores the cultural impact of figures like Jobs and Zuckerberg.
As pioneers in the digital age, their personal belongings are now seen as relics of a transformative era in technology and innovation. Collectors are increasingly recognizing the historical significance of these figures, placing them on par with past political leaders and historical icons.
The auction also featured other intriguing items, such as a pair of golf shoes worn by former U.S. President Barack Obama and a set of sunglasses autographed by Bill Clinton, Dan Aykroyd, Al Gore, and Jim Belushi.
These items, while not as high-profile as Kennedy’s boxers or Zuckerberg’s hoodie, still attracted considerable interest, reflecting the growing appeal of personal memorabilia from various spheres of influence.
In previous auctions, even members of royalty have had their clothing items sold for high bids. Queen Elizabeth II’s garments have fetched impressive sums, demonstrating the enduring fascination with figures of historical and cultural significance.
In a rather bizarre case, undergarments belonging to disgraced financier Bernie Madoff were sold for $1,700 in 2010. The winning bidder at the time humorously remarked, “It’s a great Christmas gift to people because it’s not something they would buy for themselves.”
The Enduring Appeal of Personal Artifacts
The success of this recent auction in Los Angeles highlights the enduring appeal of personal artifacts, particularly those linked to influential historical, political, and tech-world figures.
While traditional collectibles such as rare documents, autographs, and paintings continue to hold value, there is an increasing demand for items with direct personal connections to their former owners. Whether it be Kennedy’s boxers, Zuckerberg’s hoodie, or Jobs’ bow tie, these items provide a unique glimpse into the lives of those who shaped history.
For collectors, the appeal of such memorabilia goes beyond mere ownership. These objects serve as conversation pieces, historical markers, and investments in cultural heritage.
Auctions like Julien’s “Spotlight: History and Technology” event offer a rare opportunity for individuals to acquire tangible links to the past, preserving history in an unconventional yet deeply personal manner.
As technology advances and new cultural icons emerge, the definition of valuable memorabilia is likely to evolve. While items associated with historical figures will always retain their significance, contemporary artifacts from the digital age may continue to gain prominence.
The sale of Zuckerberg’s hoodie and Jobs’ bow tie suggests that future auctions may feature even more high-profile tech-related collectibles, further solidifying the connection between innovation, culture, and history.
Ultimately, the auction of Kennedy’s boxers for $9,100 serves as a testament to the lasting impact of one of America’s most revered presidents. It also reflects the broader trend of increasing interest in personal memorabilia, where seemingly ordinary objects can transform into priceless artifacts of historical significance.
Whether it be through political legacy, technological influence, or cultural impact, the personal belongings of influential figures will continue to captivate collectors and historians alike for generations to come.
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