This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
Offered here is an extremely rare 1960-themed Summer Olympics silver presentation torch awarded only to Italian gold medal winners at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Issued by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), this miniature replication of the 1960 Rome Olympic torch is practically extinct in the Olympic collectibles market. In fact, the only other example we could find was sold back in 2002 in one of Olympic expert Ingrid O'Neil's earlier auctions (No. 39).
The brim separating the handle from the mini-sized burner section is inscribed on top, "GIOCHI DELLA [Italian Games] XVII OLYMPIADE", along with the Olympic rings. Only 100 of these special awards were produced and each one is stamped with its limited edition number. This one is hallmarked "061" underneath the brim. Italy won 13 golds at the '96 Summer Games, with 19 different Italian athletes receiving gold medals when you include pairs and team competitions.
Made of cast silver (hallmarked "800") and designed by Paolillo Co. of Rome, it weighs 445 g (15.7 oz.) and stands 27.5 cm (10.75"). The torch is well-preserved with some minor dings from handling. It comes in its original large wooden presentation case (4.5 x 4.5 x 13") lined with blue velvet on the interior. An internal placcard reads, "Giochi del Centenario - ATLANTA 1996 - Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano" with the logo of team sponsor Assitalia (a now defunct Italian insurance company). The case is slightly damaged as the hinges no longer connect, but everything else remains as issued in fine shape. A tiny CONI certifate verifiying the torch's issue No. 61 is also included.