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55,000
GBP
0 Bid(s)
1
GBP
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
Live auction
Lot closed
Lot location
London
FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF GRAN UFFICIALE COMMENDATOR MAIRANO, PRESIDENT OF THE OLYMPIC TORCH COMMITTEE FOR THE ROME 1960 OLYMPIC GAMES. SOLD BY A FAMILY DESCENDANT
The Rome 1960 Olympic Games torch with which the final bearer ignited the flame in the cauldron at the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony,
in bronzed aluminium, designed by Prof. Maiuri and based on depictions of torches on ancient monuments, made by Curtisa of Bologna, complete with original wick & burner, inscribed on ring above handle GIOCHI DELLA XVII OLYMPIADE, plus Olympic Rings, 40cm., 15 3/4in.; complete with two wall mounting metal torch holders, also by Curtisa, one gilded, both inscribed MCMLX, XVII OLYMPIADE ROMA, the gilded example also named to ALDO MAIRANO, 29cm., 11 1/2in. high; the lot includes a signed letter of authenticity from a family descendant (4)
Sr. Aldo Mairano, whose official title was Gran Ufficiale Commendator Mairano, was President of the 1960 Olympic Games Torch Committee and was known as the "guardian" of the torch. It was his appointed responsibility to safeguard the torch from the moment the fire was kindled at a ceremony in the Temple of Jupiter in Olympia, then along the relay route and from the moment the Olympic Flame was lit in the cauldron at the Olympic Stadium in Rome to its ultimate extinguishment during the Closing Ceremony. The Official Report of the 1960 Games has comprehensive coverage under the heading "Journey of the Torch."
Preparations for the Torch Relay commenced in 1956 with the instigation of the Committee headed by Sr. Mairano who at the time of his election was President of the International Panathlon Club. As well as the detailed planning of the route the committee had to oversee the manufacturing of the torches, the recruitment of bearers and organize the various ceremonies along the way.
It was established that a route for the torch entirely by land would not be practical and so a crossing of the the Ionian Sea became part of the itinerary. The Official Report follows the route in great detail until it finally enters the walls of Rome following the historic ancient sites of the Appian Way, the Forums, the Capitol, and from the Capitol Hill to the Olympic Stadium.
At the hand-over ceremony when the torch left Greece on 13th August, it was handed over by H.R.H. Prince Constantine of Greece to Mr Piero Oneglio, President of the C.O.N.I. and representative of the Organising Committee. He, in turn, handed it over to Aldo Mairano in his capacity of President of the Torch Committee, who then handed the flame to a cadet of the Italian Navy who brought it aboard the training ship "Amerigo Vespucci". Once on Italian soil the route to Rome commenced.
The Relay reached the Olympic Stadium at 17.30 hrs as the Opening Ceremony was taking place on 25th August. The distinction of the final bearer of the torch, and lighter of the Olympic Flame, fell to the teenage Italian athlete of Greek ancestry Giancarlo Peris. He had won a junior cross country running race staged to decide the historic final bearer.
The torch being offered at auction here is the torch that Peris used to ignite the flame before it was returned to the care of Aldo Mairano. It has remained in his family to this day. Also included in the lot are two metal wall mounting torch holders that were issued during the relay for the safekeeping of the torch. The bronzed one is the standard issue but the named gilded example, however, was a unique presentation for Gran Ufficiale Commendator Mairano in his capacity as President of the Torch Committee.
Live
Venue address
Sotheby's
34-35 New Bond Street
London
W1A 2AA
United Kingdom
Sporting Memorabilia
Auction dates
10 Nov 2014 10:30 GMT
11 Nov 2014 10:30 GMT
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Auction currency
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GBP |
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Accepted cards
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STORAGE, COLLECTION AND SHIPPING LOGISTICS
Payments in person can be made in the saleroom on the day of the auction and on receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the saleroom during the auction or immediately after its completion.
Thereafter, all purchase lots will be transferred to Graham Budd Auctions' storage facility in Enfield, north London. Please contact the auctioneer for full details. All collections are strictly by pre-arranged appointment. Alternatively, we can organise packing for postage and shipping on a worldwide basis. Please contact us for a quote. Buyers are reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with UK export regulations and with any local import requirements.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS & BUYERS
Conditions of Business
All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd’s (GBA) Conditions of Business.
Starting Bid
For each lot there is a published minimum starting bid.
Buyer’s Premium & VAT
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Pre-Sale Viewing
For invited guests to the event, all lots will be available for viewing prior to the auction. Absentee bidders should contact the auctioneer if further information is required.
Bidding in Person
To bid in person, invited guests must register to obtain a bidding number. Before the auction, registration forms will be provided and upon completion you will be given a numbered bidding paddle. All lots sold will be invoiced to the name and address in which the paddle has been registered. Please hand back the paddle to a member of staff after use.
Absentee bidders
The auctioneer will be accepting bids from absentee bidders. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time by post, fax or e-mail. Additionally, there will be a telephone bidding facility, but subject always to the availability of lines & staffing. These services are offered free of charge and are subject to our Conditions of Business, which can be read in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk. Please contact the auctioneer if you require further information.
Online Bidding
The auctioneer will also offer an online bidding service, free of charge, via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with GBA you: authorise GBA, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to GBA through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that GBA are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling immediately after the sale and before purchases can be released. Payments in person can be made in the saleroom immediately after the auction, after this payments must be made by post, card transactions by telephone or electronic transfer to our bank.
Methods of Payment
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd welcome the following Methods of Payment:
Credit/Debit Card
We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express card payments), for which a surcharge will be made of 3% of the transaction total. This is to cover the charge made to us by our bank. There is no charge for payments made by debit card.
Sterling Bankers Draft or Building Society Sterling Cheque
Drawn on a recognised UK bank or building society. Please note that the auctioneer requires seven days to clear sterling cheques and we always reserve the right to hold goods until a cheque is cleared. This policy can only be overridden if the auctioneer receives authority otherwise from the Charity for which it is acting as agent in this auction.
Cash
Cash payments will be accepted up to a maximum of £6,000.
Electronic Transfer
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank plc
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd
IBAN: GB64BARC20717460420255
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Collection or delivery or lots
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the venue on the evening of the auction. Thereafter GBA can supply competitive quotations for the delivery of uncollected lots, including packing and shipping on a worldwide basis. Arrangements should be made within 14 days of the auction. Thereafter the auctioneer reserves the right to apply storage charges on uncollected purchases.
Conduct of the Auction
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at the “starting bid” as published in the auction catalogue and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until GBA has received the purchase price in cleared funds.
Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the seller may have, if the buyer fails to make payment for the lot, GBA may in its sole discretion exercise one or more of the following remedies:-
(a) cancel the sale of the lot;
(b) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the payment date to the date that the purchase price is received in cleared funds;
(c) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with the new sale price at GBA’s discretion, in which case the buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original purchase price and the amount achieved on re-sale;
(d) commence legal proceedings to recover the purchase price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(e) disclose the Buyer’s details to the seller to enable the seller to commence legal proceedings.
Data Protection
GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.
Miscellaneous
a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.
b) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.
Conditions of Business
All lots are offered subject to Graham Budd Auctions Ltd’s (GBA) Conditions of Business.
Starting Bid
For each lot there is a published minimum starting bid.
Buyer’s Premium & VAT
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Pre-Sale Viewing
For invited guests to the event, all lots will be available for viewing prior to the auction. Absentee bidders should contact the auctioneer if further information is required.
Bidding in Person
To bid in person, invited guests must register to obtain a bidding number. Before the auction, registration forms will be provided and upon completion you will be given a numbered bidding paddle. All lots sold will be invoiced to the name and address in which the paddle has been registered. Please hand back the paddle to a member of staff after use.
Absentee bidders
The auctioneer will be accepting bids from absentee bidders. All bids must be submitted in writing in good time by post, fax or e-mail. Additionally, there will be a telephone bidding facility, but subject always to the availability of lines & staffing. These services are offered free of charge and are subject to our Conditions of Business, which can be read in full at our website www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk. Please contact the auctioneer if you require further information.
Online Bidding
The auctioneer will also offer an online bidding service, free of charge, via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with GBA you: authorise GBA, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to GBA through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that GBA are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.
Payment
Payment is due in sterling immediately after the sale and before purchases can be released. Payments in person can be made in the saleroom immediately after the auction, after this payments must be made by post, card transactions by telephone or electronic transfer to our bank.
Methods of Payment
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd welcome the following Methods of Payment:
Credit/Debit Card
We are pleased to accept major credit cards (regrettably we are unable to accept American Express card payments), for which a surcharge will be made of 3% of the transaction total. This is to cover the charge made to us by our bank. There is no charge for payments made by debit card.
Sterling Bankers Draft or Building Society Sterling Cheque
Drawn on a recognised UK bank or building society. Please note that the auctioneer requires seven days to clear sterling cheques and we always reserve the right to hold goods until a cheque is cleared. This policy can only be overridden if the auctioneer receives authority otherwise from the Charity for which it is acting as agent in this auction.
Cash
Cash payments will be accepted up to a maximum of £6,000.
Electronic Transfer
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank plc
Sort Code: 20-71-74
Account: 60420255
Account Name: Graham Budd Auctions Ltd
IBAN: GB64BARC20717460420255
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Collection or delivery or lots
On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from the venue on the evening of the auction. Thereafter GBA can supply competitive quotations for the delivery of uncollected lots, including packing and shipping on a worldwide basis. Arrangements should be made within 14 days of the auction. Thereafter the auctioneer reserves the right to apply storage charges on uncollected purchases.
Conduct of the Auction
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at the “starting bid” as published in the auction catalogue and advance the bidding in such increments as he considers appropriate. The contract between the buyer and the seller is concluded on the striking of the auctioneer’s hammer. The auctioneer shall have discretion to refuse bids, withdraw or re-offer for lots for sale (including after the fall of the hammer) if he believes that there may have been an error or dispute, and may also take such other action as he reasonably deems necessary. Title in a lot will not pass to the buyer until GBA has received the purchase price in cleared funds.
Remedies for non-payment
Without prejudice to any rights that the seller may have, if the buyer fails to make payment for the lot, GBA may in its sole discretion exercise one or more of the following remedies:-
(a) cancel the sale of the lot;
(b) charge interest at 4% per annum above The Bank of England’s Base Rate from the payment date to the date that the purchase price is received in cleared funds;
(c) re-sell the lot by auction or privately, with the new sale price at GBA’s discretion, in which case the buyer will be liable for any shortfall between the original purchase price and the amount achieved on re-sale;
(d) commence legal proceedings to recover the purchase price for the lot, plus interest and legal costs;
(e) disclose the Buyer’s details to the seller to enable the seller to commence legal proceedings.
Data Protection
GBA will use information supplied by bidders or otherwise obtained lawfully by GBA for the provision of auction related services, client administration, marketing and as otherwise required by law. By agreeing to these Conditions of Business, the bidder agrees to the processing of their personal information and to the disclosure of such information to third parties world-wide for the purposes outlined in the above service provisions, and to the seller solely in the event on non-payment.
Miscellaneous
a) All images of lots, catalogue descriptions and all other materials produced by GBA are the copyright of GBA.
b) These Conditions of Business shall be interpreted in accordance with English Law, under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts, in favour of GBA.
Four Sessions
Monday 10th November 10.30am. Lots 1-334
Monday 10th November 2pm. Lots 335-684
Tuesday 11th November 10.30am. Lots 685-989
Tuesday 11th November 2pm. Lots 990-1223
Buyers Premium: 17.5% + 3% saleroom.com commission
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Buyers Premium:
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Artists Resale Rights:
Purchase of lots marked with the † will be subject to payment of the Artist's Resale Rights, at a percentage of the hammer price
Shipping:
On receipt of cleared funds lots can be collected from the Sotheby's saleroom on sale day. Thereafter lots will be transferred to storage in Enfield, north London, where they can be collected in person. Alternatively, we ship worldwide. Please contact the auctioneer for further details.
Monday 10th November 10.30am. Lots 1-334
Monday 10th November 2pm. Lots 335-684
Tuesday 11th November 10.30am. Lots 685-989
Tuesday 11th November 2pm. Lots 990-1223
Buyers Premium: 17.5% + 3% saleroom.com commission
Lots purchased online with the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge for this service in the sum of 3% of the hammer price plus VAT at the rate imposed
Buyers Premium:
A buyers premium of 17.5% is applicable to all lots in this sale.
The buyers premium is subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). Lots are normally offered for sale under the auctioneers margin scheme and VAT on the buyers premium is payable to all buyers. Lots subject to VAT will include the symbol †.
These items will be charged at the 20% on both the hammer price and the buyers premium
Artists Resale Rights:
Purchase of lots marked with the † will be subject to payment of the Artist's Resale Rights, at a percentage of the hammer price
Shipping:
On receipt of cleared funds lots can be collected from the Sotheby's saleroom on sale day. Thereafter lots will be transferred to storage in Enfield, north London, where they can be collected in person. Alternatively, we ship worldwide. Please contact the auctioneer for further details.