Condition: Near Mint
Height: 13″ (32.5cm)
Width: 4″ (10cm)
Length: 8″ (20cm)
Year Manufactured: 1938
This striking piece is a bronze medalist statue from the 1938 Olympics, and it’s a genuine slice of sports history. The sculpture stands about 13…
Condition: Near Mint
Height: 13″ (32.5cm)
Width: 4″ (10cm)
Length: 8″ (20cm)
Year Manufactured: 1938
This striking piece is a bronze medalist statue from the 1938 Olympics, and it’s a genuine slice of sports history. The sculpture stands about 13 inches tall and shows a determined athlete, proudly holding a laurel wreath high above his head in the classic pose of Olympic victory. Its Art Deco style is unmistakable, with clean lines and confident, heroic posture—a real testament to the era’s approach to celebrating human achievement and athleticism. What’s most impressive is the near mint condition it’s in, even after more than eight decades. With such a solid bronze construction, this statue has some weight to it and easily stands out as a conversation piece on any shelf. The surface has aged beautifully, showing just enough patina to let you know it’s the real deal from the late 1930s, not some modern reproduction.
Artifacts like this one are especially rare, not just because they hail from pre-World War II Europe, but also because the 1938 Olympic-related memorabilia carries a powerful sense of nostalgia and history. The Berlin Olympics, held just before the world would change forever, were packed with dramatic stories and iconic moments, and items from that period are highly sought after by collectors and anyone fascinated by sports heritage. Statues like this were often given as awards or commemorative pieces, making them much scarcer compared to regular souvenirs. The Art Deco movement thrived in the 1930s, and its influence reached Olympic art and trophies with geometric flair, emphasizing both elegance and the dynamism of the human body in motion.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned collector, this piece clearly represents a significant era in international athletics, art, and design. Originals in this kind of condition are few and far between, and their value lies not only in the craftsmanship but also in the direct connection to an event that captivated the world. Finding a bronze statue from the 1930s—especially one that commemorates the Olympic Games and remains so well preserved—is truly a rare treat. For anyone who appreciates vintage treasures or Olympic lore, having such a piece adds a real sense of history and character to their collection.
