The torso armor that Russell Crowe wore for his Oscar-winning role in the "Gladiator" movie has eclipsed expectations at a divorce-themed auction in Sydney, selling for 125,000 Australian dollars ($96,000).
Sotheby's Australia had estimated that the stunt cuirass worn in the 2000 blockbuster would fetch between AU$20,000 and AU$30,000 at the auction entitled Russell Crowe: The Art of Divorce.
But much of the movie memorabilia auctioned Saturday by the Australia-based New Zealander as part of his divorce settlement with Danielle Spencer exceeded expectations.
A cheerful Crowe, who turned 54 on Saturday, made an appearance after a woman sang Happy Birthday and the crowd gave him three cheers.
Lot 31, a violin by Leandro Bislach, which the actor used in the film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, sold for AU$135,000.
The violin was the most expensive sale in the early part of the night and is likely to bring the highest price of the auction, which also includes sporting memorabilia as well as art and furniture.
