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Lot #3005
Melbourne 1956 Summer Olympics Torch

Official torch from the historic 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the first Olympic Games held outside Europe or North America

Estimate: $18000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins July 23 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By July 23 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 6/19/2026 11:15:43 AM EDT
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Description

Official torch from the historic 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the first Olympic Games held outside Europe or North America

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 overall scattered scuffs and scratches.

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. An iconic torch from the first Games to be held outside Europe or North America.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Olympics
  • Dates:
    Starts:
    06/19/2026
    Ends:
    07/23/2026