FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Grenoble Olympic torch that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

Grenoble Olympic Torch Sold

The Olympic flame is a tradition that stems back to the original Olympic games in ancient Greece when a fire was kept burning for the duration of the games to honor the goddess Hestia. The modern Olympic torch tradition began in the summer Olympics of 1928 in Amsterdam for the summer games.

The 1968 Olympic torch is a bronze metal color with the handle containing a piece of red cloth. The top chamber for the flame is long and narrow with a crenellated design along the perimeter. The opening ceremony of Grenoble involved about 5,000 torchbearers with the first being gold and silver Olympic medalist Alain Mimoun. The Grenoble torch is exceptionally rare as just 33 were produced. The recent 50th anniversary of the Grenoble games has also enhanced its value.

A 1968 Grenoble Olympic torch sold for over $225,000.

We at Nate D. Sanders recently auctioned one of these coveted 1968 Olympic torches from Grenoble for $178,500. Please see lot details below:

Olympic Torch Used in the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games — The Scarcest of All Olympic Torches, With Only 33 Produced

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. Sold for $178,500.

Nate D. Sanders Auctions has also sold the following Olympic torches:

Olympic Torch From the Famed 1936 Summer Olympic Games Held in Berlin — Very Few Torches From the 1936 Games Remain

Rare Olympic torch from the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany while the country was under Nazi rule. This was the first year the Olympic torch relay was held, with the torch traveling from Olympia, Greece through Europe, ultimately arriving at Olympic stadium in Berlin. Because of the stainless steel shortage in the upcoming war, very few of these torches still remain, as all stainless steel was required to be melted down to create weapons. Manufactured by Krupp, torch features an engraving of the cities through which it traveled, as well as the five Olympic rings, held in the talons of the German coat of arms. Contains a circular top where the component allowing it to be lit would be attached. Measures 10.75” tall, with the circular top measuring 6” in diameter. Light scratching, else near fine. Sold for $11,794.

Auction your Grenoble Olympic torch at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images of your Grenoble Olympic torch to us at [email protected].

1960 Olympics Torch Used in the Summer Games — With Original Holding Box

Olympic relay torch used in the 1960 Summer Olympics. The Torch Relay tradition began in 1928, and transports a spark from the parent flame in Olympia, Greece to the host city in time for the opening ceremonies, in this case Rome. Designed by Pier Luigi Nervi and Amedeo Maiuri, the torch is based on a classical model and is meant to resemble torches depicted on ancient monuments. Made of aluminum and then bronze plated, the torch bears the Olympic rings and is labeled “GIOCHI DELLA XVII OLIMPIADE”. Comes housed inside original decorative box. Torch measures 15.75″ and weighs 1 lb. 3 oz., or 550 g (without flame). Some fading of bronze plating and minor nicks from use, otherwise near fine condition.  Sold for $4,933.

Consign your Grenoble Olympic torch at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images of your Grenoble Olympic torch to us at [email protected].

1948 Olympics Torch Used in the London Summer Games

Olympic relay torch used in the 1948 Summer Olympics. The Torch Relay tradition began in 1928, and transports a spark from the parent flame in Olympia, Greece to the host city in time for the opening ceremonies, in this case Wembley Stadium in London on 29 July 1948. There were 3 types of torches used during the 1948 relay: a land torch (of which this is an example), a torch with a gas recipient for crossing the sea, and a torch for the very last runner. Torch is made of stainless steel, features 3 sets of Olympic rings around the polished top, and reads, “XIVth OLYMPIAD 1948: OLYMPIA WITH THANKS”. Measures 16″ and weighs 1 lb., 13 oz. Small mark on handle, some wear to top, overall in very good condition.  Sold for $4,867.

FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Grenoble Olympic torch that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

We offer the following services for your Grenoble Olympic torch:

• Appraise Grenoble Olympic torch.
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• Consign Grenoble Olympic torch.
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• Grenoble Olympic torch valuation.