1960 Houston Oilers Championship Ring

Interesting story behind this ring. This ring was not given to players following the 1960 season. Instead, players were given a little golden fob to celebrate their championship. Blame owner Bud Adams for that one. It wasn't until years later, in the 1980s, I believe, that he commissioned Jostens to create a ring to give to the players.

from the Legendary Auctions page:
"When the American Football League debuted in 1960, players and owners alike knew that the season's championship game would be crucial to proving the renegade league's legitimacy. After the Houston Oilers notched an action-packed 24-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, everyone affiliated with the AFL was able to breath a little easier—everyone except the Chargers, of course. Oilers' quarterback George Blanda threw three touchdowns, including a sensational fourth-quarter connection to the previous season's Heisman Trophy Winner Billy Cannon, who took a short pass and scampered 88-yards for the score that put the game out of reach. Offered are two impressive showpieces pertaining to the AFL's historic inaugural championship game. Both were given to Oilers' Assistant Coach Wally Lemm and are in exquisite Near Mint/Mint condition. Includes: 1) a 10K gold "football" charm bestowed on Oilers' players, coaches and front office people in lieu of a championship ring for the 1960 victory. The season and team insignia ("1960" and "H") are prominently displayed along the laces in raised blue lettering. Appearing above and below in the same blue hue is the inscription, "American Football League Champions." The back of the shimmering 1" long charm has "Wally Lemm" engraved in block lettering, while the top carries a small loop for suspension. 2) this "Jostens" silver ring was received by team members from the 1960 squad during a 1980's commemorative halftime ceremony in Houston. The size "10" ring features an iridescent blue stone surrounded by an engraved border that reads, "First AFL Championship / Houston Oilers." There is a relief of a football helmet on one shank, with "Lemm" and "1960" appearing above and below in raised lettering. The other shank offers a detailed AFL logo and the game's score, "24-16." The upstart AFL forever altered the history of professional football, and these two phenomenally well-preserved mementos are an homage to the championship game that started it all!

Also, turns out there is another variant floating around out there. From the Remember the AFL website:
"Another story is told by the son of Lou Rymkus, the Oilers' head Coach in 1960: that when Adams got around to having rings made, they were sterling silver, not gold, and that the Oilers players got together and bought a golden ring for Rymkus, who had been fired by Adams during the 1961 season, after the team started 1-3-1."