Lot 30526 – The Official Golden Chain of Office for the member

The Official Golden Chain of Office for the members of the International Olympic Committee, designed by Walter E. Lemcke, Berlin. The chain contains six medallions set into the links of a gold-plated, hand-worked chain, these being reproductions of antique originals from the period between 300 and 500 B.C. depicting five different events from the ancient games. The five enamelled Olympic rings are attached to a large medallion revealing a reproduction of the head of Zeus from a Greek engraved gem in the Berlin State Museum. The reverse side of the medallion contains the inscription, « XI. Olympiade Berlin 1936, » and space for additional Olympic Festivals. An extremely rare item, exhibition & museum showpiece Note: During the journey to Athens for the meeting of the International Olympic Committee in 1934, the important question concerning the festive aspect of the Games was discussed. It was decided that the International Olympic Committee, as the supreme senate of physical culture, should constitute a unit at the Olympic Games and should be distinguished as such. The Secretary-General, Dr. Diem, therefore proposed that the form generally used for magistrates and scholastic dignitaries be adhered to, and since it was deemed impractical to institute robes of office, a large gold chain should be worn to symbolize the membership in the International Olympic Committee. This proposal was approved by the Olympic Committee.