September 2015 Auction Ends Thursday, September 24th, 5pm Pacific

Olympic Relay Torch Used in 1996 Atlanta Summer Games

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/24/2015

Olympic relay torch used in the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Torch Relay tradition was begun in 1928, and transports a spark from the parent flame in Olympia, Greece to the host city, in this case Atlanta, in time for the opening ceremonies. The torch was designed by Greek-American Peter Mastrogiannis of Malcolm Greer Designers, and its logistics were developed by a six-member team. Its 22 reeds symbolize the 22 games held in the modern Olympics since 1896. A gold band is engraved with the Atlanta Summer Games logo and the quilt of leaves design. The unique specifications of this piece require it to keep a 12'' flame from extinguishing even in the face of 30 mph winds and rain. To that end, the engineering includes a dual-burner system, with a blue flame that replenishes the yellow flame. The torch is made of aluminum, with Georgia pecan wood in the center. Measures 32'' long with 3'' diameter burner and weighs 3.6 pounds. Bottom plaque lists previous locations of Summer Olympics in seven rows, beginning with Athens in 1896. Wear from use, otherwise near fine.