This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2021
Presented here is an Olympic torch used in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games relay. The 84-day, 9,375-mile relay began in New York City on May 8, 1984, and brought the Olympic flame across the U.S. before arriving to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 28 where the Olympic Cauldron was lit by 1960 decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson. Normally these torches are around 23 inches tall, but this one is unique in that it measures almost 25” with the protruding burner section. It actually resembles the torch Johnson used to light the cauldron. Perhaps this raised burner section was designed for windy condition or to ensure it would light other torches more effectively.
The aluminum torch has a brass finish with a leather handle. The design went back to classic lamp styling. The top section features the Olympic motto in Latin "CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS" (faster, higher stronger) around the edge along with the five Olympic rings and a detailed engraving of the Los Angeles Coliseum encircling below. A tan leather wrap covers the handle down to a 2" brass fitting at the end stamped with the LA84 Games logo, “1980 LAOOC”, “1983 LAOOC”, and “TURNER IND., INC. IRWINDALE, CA" (manufacturer). A second brass fitting about 2/3 up the handle has an engraving that reads "Games of the XXIIIrd Olympiad Los Angeles 1984." The two-inch raised burner section shows obvious evidence of having been lit. Overall this torch presents in excellent condition with all elements intact. Tough to find these with any burner, let alone one so unique. The torch is accompanied by its original carrying case as well.