SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

2022 FALL PREMIER AUCTION

Wed, Nov 23, 2022 09:00PM EST - Sun, Dec 11, 2022 09:35AM EST
Lot 457

2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games Torch with Display Stand

Sold for
$1,172.40
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000

For the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, a team of designers and engineers from Georgia Tech were tasked with creating a modern and symbolic Olympic Torch. It incorporated a glass crown and tapered body with vines in the shape of a stalactite. When lit, it resembled a fiery icicle in motion. The torch weighs 3 lbs. (6.6 kg) and measures 32 1/2" (83 cm) in length. It has three distinct sections: a 5" top section of grooved glass with an interior flame protector made of copper; a 15" midsection of silver-colored cast alloy engraved with the 2002 Winter Games logo, Olympic rings and "SALT LAKE 2002"; and finally a 12" bottom section of shiny silver aluminum etched with the theme of these Games, "light the fire within." The diameter expands from a 1/2 inch at the bottom to around 3 1/2 inches at the oval flame opening on top. Inscribed on the top of the flame protector is "SALT LAKE 2002 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES".

The torch comes with its internal fuel canister and remains in remarkable condition, especially the glass crown that is prone to cracking. It displays very light usage from the flame relay, which went across Greece and the U.S. The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Men's gold medal hockey team lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremonies, marking the first time an entire team was chosen for such an important task. Overall, this beautiful torch comes in NM condition and is accompanied by an attractive metal display stand (inscribed with "Richard Monday - Vail, Colorado", perhaps a torchbearer), making for an ideal presentation piece.