Extremely rare 1980 Lake Placid Olympics torch, comprised of bronze-colored leather and metal, measuring 28.5″ in length and 8.5″ at its widest point, designed by Don McFarland and manufactured by Cleanweld Turner. The torch design and materials symbolized a blend of modern technology and a reference to Ancient Greece. A silver ring at the center of the handle supplies the Lake Placid emblem and text, "XII Olympic Winter Games, Lake Placid 1980." The bottom brass ring, which bears some light wear, is engraved with the maker's information, "Cleanweld / Turner, Sycamore, Illinois” and “152.” The burner bowl remains in place. Both the torch bowl and gorgeous leather-wrapped handle are remarkably well-preserved, and bear only a few minor scuffs and scratches.
After being lit in Olympia on January 30, the Olympic flame traveled by air to Athens and then to Langley, Virginia, in the United States. The American leg of the relay was 1,600 km and designed to retrace the American Revolution Bicentennial Trail. Only 52 torchbearers participated, including one from every state, plus Washington, D.C. and Lake Placid. The Olympic cauldron was kindled at Lake Placid on February 8th. A mere 140 torches were manufactured for the Lake Placid Winter Olympics, one of the smallest production runs for any Olympic torch. They are therefore extremely rare, and incredibly highly sought after.
