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Official 1956 Melbourne Olympics torch, comprised of aluminum alloy, measuring 16″ in length and 5.5″ at its widest point, designed by Ralph Lavers and manufactured by Waco Ltd. The design was modeled after the torch used for the 1948 London Olympics, with the upper part in the shape of a cauldron with three 'cut-outs' of the Olympic rings, encircled below by the inscription, "XVI Olympiad 1956: Olympia-Melbourne." The burner is absent, and the torch bears light scuffs and scratches, which in no way detract from the torch's impressive overall state and appearance.
After its lighting in Olympia on November 2, 1956, the flame made its way through the Middle East and South Asia en route to Australia, where the relay ended at the opening ceremony on November 22. Altogether, the flame was carried by 3,181 torchbearers over 4,912 km on land. A handsome example of this iconic torch from the first Games to be held outside Europe or North America.
