A torch from the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary fetched almost $50,000 USD at an auction in the United States this past week.
According to Boston-based RR Auction, the official torch was sold for $46,184 USD at its “Olympic Records and Rivals auction.”
The torch arrived in St. John’s Newfoundland in November 1987 and over 6000 people were chosen to carry it for the 88 day relay to Calgary.
“Calgary torches are among the rarest,” said Robert Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction in a statement on Friday.
Livingston says the torch was purchased by a collector from the United States.
The torches were made of aluminum with a maple handle, which was decorated with pictograms of the ten winter Olympic sports, and resembled the Calgary Tower.
The torch that was auctioned off was not used in the relay and was sold with its four original wicks and the original carrying case.
The auction house says the torches are a rare find because, unlike many relays, the torches were shared so only about 100 were ever produced.
For more information on the auction, click HERE.
