The American Football Association was a pro football league that operated from 1977 to 1983, and the Chicago Fire were named an expansion franchise to the AFA in 1981. Games were played in the summer and this looked like a most opportune time for the upstart Fire to gain popularity, as the Major League Baseball strike of 1981 was cancelling games of the hometown Cubs and White Sox. Playing home games in famed Soldier Field, the Fire won the AFA’s Western Division with an 8-4 record, advancing to the league championship game. Chicago ultimately lost to the defending champion West Virginia Rockets, 29-21.  By the Spring of 1982, the Fire franchise had folded.

Offered here is a rare Balfour manufactured 1981 Chicago Fire AFA Division Champions ring, featuring a CZ set in the center of a large dark red colored stone. Around the stone reads “DIVISION CHAMPIONS” along with two small Fire logos, while “1981 CHICAGO FIRE” is shown around the outer perimeter. The left shank displays the AFA league logo above a large number 1 in red. A team helmet centers the other side, with the name “BUCKNER” at the top and the number 76 – in a football shape – below. Please note that both the shanks show considerable wear. Inside the band is engraved “LORENZO BUCKNER” as well as “BALFOUR CELESTRIUM”. The ring is an approximate size 12 ½ and it weighs approximately 30.6 grams. This item is accompanied by the consignor's purchase LOA and a Balfour ring box.

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