‘The art of divorce’: Russell Crowe’s Gladiator armour fetches US$96,000 in memorabilia sell-off
The auction of 227 items at Sotheby’s Australia was part of the actor’s settlement with ex-wife Danielle Spencer
The torso armour Russell Crowe wore for his Oscar-winning role in Gladiator eclipsed expectations at a Sydney auction on Saturday, selling for A$125,000 (US$96,000).
Sotheby’s Australia had estimated the stunt cuirass worn in the 2000 blockbuster would fetch between A$20,000 and A$30,000. But much of the film memorabilia auctioned by the Australia-based New Zealander as part of his divorce settlement exceeded expectations.
A replica Roman chariot from the same film in which Crowe played the general-turned-gladiator Maximus, thought to be worth up to A$10,000, was sold for A$65,000.
A leather boxer’s protector, worn by Crowe when he played heavyweight champion James J. Braddock in the 2005 film Cinderella Man, estimated to bring between A$500 and A$600, sold for A$7,000 after intense bidding.
Sotheby’s was closer to the mark in valuing the maroon Doc Martens boots Crowe wore as the skinhead Hando in the 1992 film Romper Stomper. The pair sold for A$10,000, while Sotheby’s anticipated between A$10,000 and A$15,000.