Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #3021
Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics Torch

The regal relay torch of Calgary's 1988 Winter Olympics, one of only 150 made

This lot has closed

Sold For $19,456

*Includes Buyers Premium

Estimate: $15000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

The regal relay torch of Calgary's 1988 Winter Olympics, one of only 150 made

Official 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics torch used during the Olympic relay, 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 relay-used example, which bears light scuffs and evidence of use to the bowl and upper handle, has been resupplied with four original wicks above a canister. Includes its original black carrying bag.

Designed by the National Research Council of Canada, the torch was made to resemble the Calgary Tower, an iconic landmark in the Canadian city. The torch relay, called 'Share the Flame,' 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 and then traveled 18,000 km through Canada over 88 days. Unlike many relays, the torches were shared and thus only about one hundred and fifty were manufactured.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Olympics
  • Dates: #746 - Ended 07/23/2026