295 - SPORTS - OLYMPICS

SPORTS - OLYMPICS Official torch of the 1948 Summer Olympic Games in London (designed by Ralph LAVERS, inspired by ancient Greek torches), produced in a limited edition of 1,720 pieces by EMI at its Hayes factory Aluminum alloy; the openwork cone features the Olympic rings; the band bears the inscription "XIVth Olympiad 1948, Olympia to London, with thanks to the bearer" Height: 41 cm (Burner missing, electrified, wall bracket added with a flame-shaped reflector made of molded pressed glass) Provenance: Northern France (Calais), torchbearer, then purchased from descendants The 1948 Olympic Games were known as the “Games of Prosperity.” The torch relay for these Games took place from July 17 to July 29, 1948, passing notably through France over more than 600 km, ending in Lille on July 28, then along the northern coast before departing for England from Calais. The torch came in three models: one made of aluminum, one powered by butane gas for the crossing on the HMS Whitesand Bay, and the last one made of stainless steel for the final leg to Wembley. Each of the 1,680 runners was able to keep their torch.