Object Details
Manufactured by
Krupp AG, German, 1811 - 1999
Designed by
Walter Lemcke, German, 1891 - 1955
Used by
International Olympic Committee, Swiss, founded 1894
Description
An Olympic torch from the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
A disc-shaped stainless steel torch. There is a small hole in the center. There is engraved text going around the center reading [* ALS DANK DEM TRAGER *] and [ORGANISATIONS KOMITEE FÜR DIE XI OLYMPIADE DE BERLIN 1936]. The underside of the circle has engraved text which reads [KRUPP NIROSTA V2A STAHL] and [STIFTUNG DER FRIED. KRUPP A,G., ESSEN].
Extending from the center of the cylindrical stainless steel shaft to serve as handle, which widens into a small circular base at the end. At the top of one side of the handle is an engraving of an eagle holding the five connected Olympic rings in its talons. The words below read [FACKEL - STAFFEL - LAUF / OLYMPIA - BERLIN / 1936]. Beneath this is an engraved mapping of cities represented by circles connected via two lines. The map starts at the bottom of the shaft below the eagle and goes up and over to the top of the handle on the other side. The cities are as follows: [OLYMPIA], [ATHENS], [DELPHI], [SALON], [SOFIA], [BELGRAD], [BELARUS], [WIEN], [PRAG], [DRESDEN], [BERLIN].
There are several scuffs and scratches on the torch.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Date
1936
Object number
2016.92.5
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
torches (lighting devices)
Medium
stainless steel
Dimensions
H x W x D: 9 3/4 × 5 1/4 × 5 1/4 in. (24.8 × 13.3 × 13.3 cm)
Place depicted
Berlin, Germany, Europe
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Memorabilia and Ephemera - Other
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Olympics
Sports
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2016.92.5