August 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2019
Olympic relay torch used in the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble, France, one of only 33 produced by the Societe Technique d'Equipement et de Fournitures Industrielle (STEFI), the scarcest of all Olympic torches. The Torch Relay tradition began in 1928, and transports a spark - ignited by the sun using a parabolic mirror, from the parent flame in Olympia, Greece to the host city in time for the Opening Ceremonies. In this case, the flame was carried by over 5,000 torchbearers, ending at Grenoble on 6 February 1968 to launch the Games. Copper plate torch features a crenellated design at top, resembling the Olympic flame and also serving as its wind shield. The long handle segues to the top portion that holds the burner, distinguished by a silver plate featuring the official emblem of the Games designed by Roger Excoffonan. Torch measures 30'' long and 3.75'' wide at top. Burning apparatus is no longer present, as is often the case, and torch has only one silver plate rather than three. Small dent at bottom of handle. Remnants of soot from its use during the Games. One of the finest Olympic torches offered for sale, part of a select group of 33, all individually manufactured before mass production of Olympic torches became standard. Displays beautifully.
Olympic Torch Used in the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games -- The Scarcest of All Olympic Torches, With Only 33 Produced
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