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Football Signed by the 1985 Chicago Bears
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Football Signed by the 1985 Chicago Bears
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Football Signed by the 1985 Chicago Bears

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.10282011-2-2.a-c
Object Type Football
Manufacturer (Founded 1914)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium rubber, ink, plastic (vinyl, acrylic), wood, paint
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a: Football) H 6 1/4 in x W 5 3/4 in x D 11 in (15.9 cm x 14.6 cm x 27.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.b-c: Case, Assembled) H 9 7/8 in x W 15 in x D 9 in (25.1 cm x 38.1 cm x 22.9 cm )

Physical DescriptionOfficial brown and white NFL Wilson football signed by members of the 1985 Chicago Bears team (.a). Football sits on a black wood base (.c) enclosed in an acrylic case (.b) with a Bears logo etched on to the front. The ball has one brown leather panel with a gold and black NFL logo, and three white panels covered with signatures in black permanent marker. On the bottom white panel of the ball is an orange Bears "C" logo. When displayed, the ball sits on four clear acrylic pegs that fit into the base.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of an event at the White House to honor the 1986 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears. In 1986, the team’s White House reception was canceled due to the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library and Museum. The Obama Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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