This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Presented here an unused torch from the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, the first Games hosted by a
communist country. This combined with the Soviet war in Afghanistan
resulted in more than 65 nations boycotting the Olympics, including the
United States at the insistence of President Jimmy Carter. It was perhaps remembered more for those
athletes who did NOT participate. A few
athletes from the boycotting nations did participate, with allegiance to
the Olympic flag instead of their home country. In retaliation, the
Soviet Union boycotted the subsequent 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The lovely gray and gold torch is made of painted and spun anodized alloy and features
the 1980 Summer Olympics logo on the protective handle cover as well as
"MOCKBA OLIMPIADA 1980" (Moscow Olympics 1980) on the exterior. The 1980
Olympic torch relay was conducted entirely on foot. Torchbearers
carried the torch during the 30-day torch relay through Bulgaria and
Romania to Moscow, covering a final distance of 4,976 kilometers. The torch measures 22" long (56 cm) with the upper
round platform having a diameter of 4" (10 cm). Very well-maintained, it presents in NM-MT condition having never been lit. For many Olympic collectors, unused torches are highly coveted.