Attractive miniature version of the official torch of the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympics, constructed of wood and metal, measuring 24″ in length. Resembling a sheath knife, the torch is highlighted by its birchwood handle, which symbolizes Norwegian tradition, and the upper section consists of a polished blade that conversely reflects the nation’s industrial modernity and technology. The inner copper plate features several pictograms of winter sporting events. To contrast its martial appearance, the torch’s supple, elongated shape and considerable length were chosen with the view of forming a harmonious extension between the torch and its bearer—its creators bestowed it with the poetic name ‘Noble.’ Includes its original wooden display stand, 12.5˝ in height, a promotional Lillehammer torch relay pin, and its original cardboard box, which bears scattered wear and a missing end flap.
The flame of the XVIIth Olympic Winter Games was lit in Olympia, Greece, on January 16, 1994, and, with the use of 350 torches and 6,916 torchbearers, traveled 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles) over 27 days to the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena in Lillehammer, Norway. It was the sixth Winter torch relay to have more than one route, which included a visit to the Arctic Circle and the premiere instance of a torch being passed between two parachutists. Before Prince Haakon lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony, Stein Gruben astounded spectators in spectacular and fiery fashion when he launched from the ski jump with the torch in hand.
