A unique relic from American presidential history has emerged, captivating viewers on the popular PBS show “Antiques Roadshow”. A pair of silk boxer shorts, previously owned by the late John F. Kennedy, were left behind in the home of a supporter during a campaign trip in 1959, highlighting an amusing and intimate anecdote from the former president’s rise to prominence.
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The boxer shorts were presented by a guest who recounted the circumstances surrounding their acquisition. During an event in Huntingburg, Indiana, the then junior senator from Massachusetts had stopped by for an overnight stay. The guest’s father, a well-known local politician, had arranged the fundraiser to support Kennedy’s ambitious political journey.
According to the family story, Kennedy was experiencing back pain during his visit, which led him to use the upstairs bathroom in their home. Following his departure, the shorts were discovered forgotten on the bathroom floor by the guest’s mother. The anecdote showcases a lighter side of Kennedy, who would eventually serve as America’s 35th president.
The episode featured appraiser Deborah Miller, who took note of the significance of the shorts in relation to the timeline of Kennedy’s political career. “In 1959, Kennedy was still establishing himself as a key figure in US politics. He would not officially declare his candidacy for the presidency until January 1960. During this period, he travelled extensively to garner support and expand his influence within the Democratic Party,” Miller explained.
The boxer shorts themselves are intriguing, crafted from silk or a similar synthetic material. They bear a label from an upscale menswear shop in Washington D.C., along with the letters “K-E-N-N” inscribed in permanent ink within the waistband—likely a marking for laundry purposes. These details not only add to the charm of the item but also to its authenticity.
To further substantiate the story behind the shorts, the guest shared a signed photograph of Kennedy, taken during his stay at the family residence. This photograph, alongside other documentation, strengthens the provenance of the piece, enhancing its historical significance.
The story also appeared in two published accounts, one of which discusses the narratives surrounding the guest’s father. In a light-hearted letter to Kennedy, the patriarch jokingly remarked, “Well, if you’re accustomed to leaving your boxer shorts around the country, maybe you need another pair,” and he even sent Kennedy a replacement.
The value of the boxer shorts has sparked considerable interest. Appraiser Miller estimated their auction potential to be between £2,500 and £4,000, with an insurance valuation jumping to around £8,000 when considering the accompanying photograph and documentation. This evaluation reflects the increasing market value of memorabilia tied to notable historical figures.
In a comparable context, a different pair of Kennedy’s boxer shorts was sold for £7,000 at auction in 2025, further illustrating the willingness of collectors to pay a premium for unique artefacts from American history.
As viewers tune in to “Antiques Roadshow”, the story of JFK’s boxers serves as a reminder of the human side of history—how even future leaders can leave behind everyday items in the homes of their supporters. This serendipitous connection continues to capture the imagination of collectors and historians alike, adding another layer to the legend of John F. Kennedy.