The extremely rare item, which is being sold by specialist Olympic memorabilia auctioneer Ingrid O'Neil, features in a lot that also includes items such as German Ernst Baier's figure skating gold medal that he won at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936 Games with Maxi Herber, which is expected to reach $55,000 (£33,000/€40,000).

But O'Neil said she already knows the aluminium alloy Torch, which appears to be one of only five used in the Relay in Sweden, will reach the highest amount in the auction.

The item features cut out Olympic Rings above an engraving that reads "XVI Olympiad 1956: Olympia-Stockholm" and shows darkening by the flame beneath the bowl and on the inside of the bowl.

The auction also includes Ernst Baiers Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936 figure skating gold medal ©Getty Images


"Our research so far revealed that only five Torches were used in the Torch Relay in Sweden," the lot catalogue description reads.

"Two of these Torches reside in the Olympic Stadium Museum in Stockholm.

"Another Torch was used in the Torch Relay in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"Two Torches came up a few years ago from people whose relatives had worked in important positions for the manufacturer of the Torches.

"Since the Torches from the Relay in Sweden from Malmo to Stockholm burnt for long hours they were blackened as can be seen on the photos of the Official Report.

"We assume that this torch was one of the torches used on the opening day."

The auction catalogue can be viewed here.

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