This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Presented here is a rare, inaugural torch from the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin when Germany was under Nazi rule. This was the first year the Olympic torch relay was held and this torch was used in the relay. The Olympic flame traveled from Olympia, Greece through Europe and before arrived at Olympic stadium in Berlin after 12 days. According to the Olympic Museum website, there were 3,840 torches made with 3,331 runners taking the flame a total of 3,187 km. The concept of the torch relay was introduced by Carl Diem, Germany’s sports minister under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. Because of the stainless steel shortage in the upcoming war, very few of these torches still remain as all available stainless steel was required to be melted down to create weapons.
Designed by Walter Lemcke and Peter Wolf and Manufactured by Friedrich Krupp AG, this beautifully crafted torch features an engraving of the 11 major cities traveled that covers the length of the shaft. "FACKEL-STAFFEL-LAUF" followed by "OLYMPIA-BERLIN" and "1936" are inscribed below the five interlocking Olympic rings held in the talons of the German coat of arms. It contains a circular top with a 4cm hole where the cylinder component allowing it to be lit would be attached. (1936 Berlin torches with this piece intact are practically extinct.) "ORGANISATIONS-KOMITEE FUR DIE XI. OLYMPIADE BERLIN 1936" and "ALS DANK DEM TRAGER" are inscribed on top. It stands 27 cm (10.5") tall, with the circular top measuring 15.5 cm (6") in diameter. We can verify that this is an original torch made for the inaugural 1936 Berlin Games relay as opposed to one of the presentation 1936 torches made for the 1972 Munich Games which stand approximately 4-6mm taller due to a tiny arched stand on the bottom. The torch shows only moderate use and light handling with a few scratches and a tiny dent on top. Overall, it has aged remarkably well and presents in NM condition.