An old red wool cardigan sweater grabbed a lot of attention at a recent auction. A hint as to why can be found in the collar: a label embroidered with “Kennedy” still attached by sturdy red threads. John F. Kennedy’s Harvard sweater sold for $85,266 in an online sale by RR Auction of Boston. The crimson cardigan with shawl collar has a large black block-letter “H” for Kennedy’s alma mater knitted into the left breast. The collegiate sweater has eight white mother-of-pearl buttons, with two sewn-in pockets on the front.
The sweater was acquired by Herman Lang, a cameraman who was shooting a network television interview with Jacqueline Kennedy in May 1964. Lang was believed to have been offered the sweater while shooting outdoors because of the cold weather. When he attempted to return it, he was told to keep it as a reminder of the late President Kennedy.
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