A torch carried at the 1956 Stockholm Olympic Games is expected to make $175,000 at specialist Olympic auctioneer Ingrid O'Neil on April 26.

Just the equestrian events of the 1956 Olympic Games were held in Stockholm, and only five torches were used

Due to quarantine restrictions, the equestrian events of the 1956 Olympics were held in Stockholm, while the rest of the Games took place in Melbourne. This makes the torch exceedingly rare - one of only five - and warrants its $175,000 estimate.

For those enamoured with all things equine, Paul Fraser Collectibles has a collection of polo trophies from Eric Tyrrell-Martin.

Two of the five torches used at the Stockholm event are part of the collection of the Olympic Stadium Museum in Stockholm, while the other was re-used in the torch relay in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The remaining two were offered for sale from relatives of those who worked for the manufacturer, but there is no concrete evidence that this was one of those used in the opening ceremony, despite the fact it is blackened from use.

Also starring is the gold medal won by Germany's Ernst Baier in the figure skating event at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Bavaria, Germany.

Estimated at $55,000, the medal is sure to sell well. Ernst Baier is one of the most celebrated figure skaters in history, along with partner Maxi Herber, whom he married following the end of their sporting careers.

The sale comes ahead of the 23-25 May World Olympic Collectors Fair in Lausanne, demonstrating the popularity of this fascinating collecting area. See our superb range of sports memorabilia for sale.