This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Addendum: Years ago, George Blanda had real diamonds added to this ring.
Coming out of retirement from the NFL, George Blanda re-emerged as the unlikely hero of the newly formed AFL. Blanca’s flawless quarterbacking and place-kicking brought the Houston Oilers to the very first American Football League Championship Game. Facing the Los Angeles Chargers, Blanda threw three touchdown passes including an 88-yard strike in the 4th quarter to lead the Oilers past the Chargers 24-16.. Plus, he kicked three extra points and a field goal for good measure. Presented here is the ring presented to the star of the game, George Blanda--a holy grail example of the very first AFL Championship ring ever issued.
First off, it should be noted that Blanda decided to enhance the somewhat generic simplicity of this iconic 10-karat gold ring by having real diamonds professionally added. The original ring was issued with a slate blue-gray colored gemstone on the face. Now, the face features a large round brilliant cut diamond over a bed of 20 smaller diamonds all set in a recessed darkened basin. The diamonds are surrounded by “FIRST AFL CHAMPIONSHIP HOUSTON OILERS” on the perimeter. The left shank has a ribbon with “BLANDA” engraved on it above a helmet with his number “16” and the year “1960”. The right shank has the logo of the fledgling AFL above the Oilers championship game winning score of “24-16”. The inside is stamped with the "JOSTEN 10K" hallmark. The ring comes in size 13.5 and weighs 30 grams. It shows moderate wear but remains in excellent overall condition. (Blanda was known to primarily wear his Hall of Fame ring--image attached.) This enhanced version with real diamonds increases the precious metal value of the traditional 1960 AFL Championship ring significantly. A beautiful example of the inaugural AFL Championship ring presented to and worn by the man most responsible for bringing the title home.
Includes LOA from the Blanda family.