This torch hails from the 1968 Summer Olympics relay that brought the flame to Mexico City. There were five different variations and this is the rather scarce 'Type E' version. The relay began on August 23, 1968, in Olympia, Greece, and retraced the route taken by Christopher Columbus to discover the New World, traveling through his birthplace in Genoa as well as where he initially set sail from Palos in Spain to the first land he reached in San Salvador. In all, the flame traveled 13,620 km over 25 days through the hands of 2,778 torchbearers before arriving at Olympic Stadium, where Norma Enriqueta Basilio de Sotelo of Mexico became the first woman to ever light the Olympic cauldron.

Constructed of a silver white-cast metal, its rather primitive look features an artistic top with "MEXICO 68" creatively crafted twice around the rim. The torch has a compact size of 17 1/2" (44 cm) long, 4" (10 cm) in diameter at the flame opening, and weighs nearly 3 lbs. The only difference between this and the even rarer 'Type C' version is the lack of a rope handle. Missing from this torch is the bottom closure piece as well as the internal flame holder. The interior walls appear to show signs of combustion. Aside from its missing parts, the torch comes in very good condition overall with a relatively smooth exterior. An iconic memento from the Games that showcased perhaps the most important Civil Rights demonstration in sports history: the famous Black Power Salute by African-American 200m medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos.