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Lot #3081
Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics Torch

Incredibly rare 1988 Calgary torch—one of about 100 made

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Estimate: $50000+
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Description

Incredibly rare 1988 Calgary torch—one of about 100 made

Exceptionally rare official 1988 Calgary Olympics torch, comprised of aluminum with a maple handle, measuring 23.5″ in length, emblazoned on the handle with pictograms of ten Winter Olympic sports. The top is inscribed, “XV Olympic Winter Games Calgary Alberta Canada 1988,” and the ball at the bottom is engraved with the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius.” This example is unused and retains its four original wicks above a canister. Also includes its original black carrying bag. The torch was designed to resemble the Calgary Tower, an iconic landmark in the Canadian city. The torch relay was an enormous event, with approximately 6,500 torchbearers drawn from an application pool of over six million. After the lighting ceremony in Olympia, the flame was flown to Newfoundland. The torch traveled 18,000 km through Canada over 88 days. Unlike many relays, the torches were shared and thus only about one hundred were manufactured. This is a marvelous example of the utmost rarity.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Olympic Memorabilia Auction
  • Dates: #468 - Ended January 21, 2016