This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2019
Offered here is a 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics torch used in the relay, which began in Olympia, Greece, and carried the Olympic flame 6,307 km over 51 days to the host city in the Catalan region of Spain. Beginning in 1994, the International Olympic Committee decided to alternate the Summer and Winter Games every two years, making Barcelona the last Summer Games to take place the same year as the Winter Olympics. It was also the first Games unaffected by boycotts since 1972. The U.S. Men's Basketball "Dream Team" was the biggest story in Barcelona, featuring a team of NBA superstars for the first time that dominated the competition en route to the gold medal.
Designed by André Ricard and manufactured by Kromschröder, the torch is made of chrome-plated aluminum and plastic. It measures 67 cm (26") long and the round platform on top is 17.5 cm (6.75") in diameter. The silver stem/handle has "XXV OLIMPIADA BARCELONA 1992" scripted in gold-plating with the Barcelona Games emblem. The end of the handle is coded CBZ-8007. The circular shape of the upper section is supposed to resemble a cauldron, while the conical and triangular shapes recall an amphora and the Latin sail to give it a more Mediterranean character. The flame area on top shows some evidence of burning. The black handle grip shows heavy wear with many scuff marks and the chrome has aged a bit from storage. Overall, the torch presents in fine condition. As a nice bonus, it comes with a custom marble holder (weighs over 5 lbs.) in the shape of a hand for upright display.