Russell Crowe's Gladiator armour sells for $125000 at 'art of divorce' auction

A torso from a Gladiator movie costume worn by Russell Crowe is seen on display.

The torso armour Russell Crowe wore for his Oscar-winning role in Gladiator has eclipsed expectations at a Sydney auction, selling for $125,000.

Sotheby's Australia had estimated the stunt cuirass worn in the 2000 blockbuster would fetch between $20,000 and $30,000 — but much of the movie memorabilia auctioned by the Australia-based New Zealander as part of his divorce settlement exceeded expectations.

A replica Roman chariot from the same movie, in which Crowe played the general-turned-gladiator Maximus, thought to be worth up to $10,000, was sold for $65,000.

Russell Crowe auction: Gladiator Roman chariot

A leather boxer's protector, worn by Crowe when he played heavyweight champion James J Braddock in the 2005 movie Cinderella Man, estimated to bring between $500 and $600, sold for $7,000 after intense bidding.

An array of colourful guitars are on display on the wall of an exhibit space.

Sotheby's was closer to the mark in valuing the maroon Doc Martens boots Crowe wore as the skinhead Hando in the 1992 movie Romper Stomper — sold for $10,000, while Sotheby's anticipated between $10,000 and $15,000.

'The Art of Divorce'

The auction, titled "The Art of Divorce," took place on the actor's 54th birthday and the anniversary of his wedding to singer Danielle Spencer in 2003.

Crowe, who has been separated from Spencer for five years, has previously said the auction was "cathartic" and a way to "create space for the future".

External Link: Twitter: Russell Crowe violin

He made an appearance at the auction after singer Alisa Nasteski sang Happy Birthday, and the crowd gave him three cheers immediately before Lot 31, a violin by Leandro Bislach, sold for $135,000.

The violin, used by Crowe when he played Captain Jack Aubrey in the 2003 movie "Master and Commander," was the most expensive sale in the early part of the night and was expected to bring the highest price of the auction.

The winning bid was at the high end of expectations of between $110,000 and $140,000.

"G'day folks, how're you doing?" Crowe told the crowd.

"Are you having a little bit of fun? It's exciting, isn't it? So it's been a lot of fun putting it together for you."

Before the auction started, Sotheby's predicted the 227 eclectic lots, covering movies, guitars, paintings, jewellery, watches and sporting memorabilia, would bring between $2.6 million and $3.7 million.