Rare official’s badge from the 38th International Olympic Committee (IOC) session held in London, England, in 1939. Made by Phillips Aldershot, the gold-tone badge measures 40 mm x 44 mm and features a design of the Goddess of Victory seated with a trident and the shield of Great Britain. Above her are the Olympic rings, and below her is a base with legend: “I.O.C. London 1939, XXXVI Meeting.” The reverse is engraved with the name of the maker; the ribbon is no longer present.
This particular IOC session resulted in a trio of future Olympic appointments: Garmisch-Partenkirchen of Germany was selected as the host for the 1940 Winter Olympics; Cortina d'Ampezzo of Italy was selected as the host for the 1944 Winter Olympics; and London of Great Britain was selected as the host for the Games of the 1944 Summer Olympics. All three of these Olympiads were canceled due to World War II.
