Luz Long's 1936 Berlin Summer Olympic Games Athlete Identification Card (Signed Original) Issued by Olympic Organizing Commiittee

Presented here is the original 1936 Olympic Berlin Olympic Games athlete identification card issued to Luz Long by the Olympic Organizing Committee. The pass measures 9x15 cm (3.5x6") and comes on thick paper stock. At the top is the 1936 Berlin Olympics legend (Germany's Coat of Arms logo during the Third Reich era) and the official number assigned to the document. A black and white cutout portrait of Luz is glued at center above Long's genuine wet signature. His date of birth, city of birth, nationality, residence and current address are all printed via an era typewriter. At the bottom are the official red facsimile signatures of 1936 Berlin Olympic Organizing Committee President Dr. Theodor Lewald and OOC General Secretary Carl Diem, who created the torch relay tradition and is largely credited as the chief organizer of the Berlin Games.

The ID card has been officially stamped with the controversial German logo on the front and reverse by the issuing authority of the Games. An expiration date "1. Oktober 1936" is printed vertically on the front opposite from "XI Olympiade Berlin 1936" in matching blue. The reverse information appears to have been filled out by a German official. Traditionally, athletes participating in the Olympics are required to carry their ID cards for entry into the various sport venues as well as Olympic Village where most lived during the Games. Rarely do these ID passes survive. They are typically discarded after the Games. Fortunately, Luz Long kept his and his family has preserved it exceptionally well for future generations to enjoy. Comes with a letter of provenance from the Long family. Also included is a letter of authenticity from Olympic memorabilia expert Ingrid O'Neil.