Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #3001
Olympic Torch Collection: Salt Lake City 2002, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022 - From the Collection of IOC Member Phillip W. Coles

Desirable quartet of Olympic torches from Salt Lake City 2002, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and 2022, each presented to longtime IOC member Phillip W. Coles

Estimate: $8000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins January 16 at 7:00 PM EST. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By January 16 at 6:00 PM EST To Participate After 6:00 PM EST

Server Time: 12/22/2024 03:38:30 AM EST
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid

Description

Desirable quartet of Olympic torches from Salt Lake City 2002, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and 2022, each presented to longtime IOC member Phillip W. Coles

Marvelous collection of four official Olympic relay torches presented to longtime IOC member Phil Coles, which includes torches from the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics, the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Official 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics torch, constructed of silvered metal and copper, measuring 31.5″ in length and 3.5″ at its widest point, designed by Axiom Design and manufactured by Coleman. The torch was modeled after an icicle and slightly curved to represent speed and fluidity, with a contrasting dull and polished finish on the handle to represent the meeting of modernity with the past. The handle, which bears an affixed "026" label, is engraved with the motto of the games, "Light the fire within," and a raised emblem of the games appears near the top. The torch bears trivial marks and evidence of use. A desirable example as it is complete with its fragile glass bowl.

Official 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics torch, constructed of recycled aluminum and colored resin, measuring 27˝ in length and 3.5˝ at its widest point, designed by Sao Paulo studio Chelles & Hayashi and manufactured by Recam Laser. The torch features a white body that automatically expands upon being lit to reveal multicolored segments drawn from the hues of the Brazilian flag, representing the natural wonders surrounding the host city. The Rio Olympic emblem also adorns the top. Includes the original brown carrying bag and tube, the top lid of which is no longer present.

Unused official 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics torch, constructed of a white metal exterior shell with gold-colored metal interior, measuring 27.5˝ in length and 3.25˝ at its widest point, designed and manufactured by Young-se Kim, Inno Design / Groupe Hanhwa. At the top, the exterior shell is divided into five vertical branches to form a pentagonal shape, representing the sporting passion and spirit that unites the five Olympic continents (Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia). A colorful raised PyeongChang 2018 emblem decorates the body of the torch, and the handle is printed with golden stars. The white and gold colors used in the design represent the snow and ice of the Winter Games, as well as the Olympic flame, and correspond with the color scheme of the PyeongChang relay. The 700-millimeter length of the torch represents the altitude of PyeongChang, which lies 700 meters above sea level. The torch is specially designed so that the flame can burn continuously despite inclement weather: it generates an air tunnel that sends more oxygen to the flame, and a pentagonal hole at the bottom of the torch allows water to drain. Complete with its drawstring bag and carrying tube.

Official 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics torch, constructed of a resin-coated carbon fiber composite, measuring 33" in length and 4" at its widest point. Manufactured by Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company and designed by Li Jianye and his team, the torch was inspired by the natural flowing beauty of plants and flowers, a theme that meshed with Beijing’s green approach to the torch’s materials and combustion fuel—carbon fiber composite, a new material made of petroleum products, and hydrogen gas, a special fuel that proved both smoke-free and environmental-friendly. The flora-like spiral construction resulted in a floating ribbon look, and its beautiful replication of movement led to its being given the name ‘Flying’ [Fei Yang]. The torch utilizes an open design with a stunning red and silver color scheme, a metaphor for ice and fire, meant to symbolize how the torch will bring 'light and warmth to this world of ice and snow’—this color combination, and even the torch’s design, relates to its 2008 predecessor and ceremonial cauldron. The upper portion of the body bears the Beijing 2022 emblem, the lower portion features 1,268 laser-engraved convex clouds and low-relief snowflake patterns, and the torch’s centralized swirling red line represents the winding Great Wall, the Olympic ski slopes, and ‘humanity's relentless quest for light, peace, and excellence.’ Includes the original presentation case, which bears noticeable wear to corners.





From the Phillip W. Coles Collection

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Olympics
  • Dates: December 12, 2024 - January 16, 2025