Presented here is the inaugural torch used in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. This was the first year the Olympic torch relay was held. The Olympic flame traveled from Olympia Greece through Europe before arriving at Olympic Stadium in Berlin after 12 days. According to the Olympic Museum website there were 3840 torches made with 3331 runners taking the flame a total of 3187 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 few original torches remain as almost all available stainless steel was melted down to make 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 4 cm 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 a presentation 1936 torch made for the 1972 Munich Games the latter of which stands approximately 4-6 mm taller due to a tiny arched stand on the bottom. The torch exhibits obvious torch use with moderate handling and no dents; the top section leans ever so slightly and there is light-to-moderate scratching throughout. It has aged remarkably well and presents NM overall.