Russell Crowe holds ‘Divorce’ auction, sells movie props for almost $3 million

A Roman-style chariot, gold Rolex watch, leather jock strap and a 128-year-old violin that all belonged to Australian actor Russell Crowe have been sold in an auction that reaped in more than $2.8 million dollars.

The auction titled ‘The Art of Divorce’ was held in Sydney on Saturday and attracted dozens of buyers and spectators. About 200 movie costumes, props from some of his most popular films, including Gladiator, Master and Commander, LA Confidential and The Insider, went under the hammer.

The auction was held on what would have been his 15th wedding anniversary with former wife Danielle Spencer and Crowe’s 54th birthday.

A chariot from the film Gladiator owned by actor Russell Crowe was auctioned by Sotheby's as part of the 'Russell Crowe: The Art of Divorce Auction' at Carriageworks, Sydney on April 7, 2018. (AP)

One of the costumes from the film Gladiator owned by actor Russell Crowe was among the actor Russell Crowe’s collection that was auctioned at Carriageworks on Saturday. (AP)

Auction house Sotheby’s reported many items sold for well above their estimated value, including a pair of metal cuffs the Oscar winner wore in Gladiator, which was valued at up to $1,535 but sold for $29,974. The replica chariot used in the 2000 film Gladiator sold for $49,907.

Read | Russell Crowe’s Gladiator armour sells for Rs 62 lakh at auction

There were also some unusual items, including a fossil of a dinosaur-era reptile’s skull, which was previously owned by US actor Leonardo Dicaprio which sold for $60,886.

Crowe made an unexpected appearance during the auction, cheerfully welcoming would-be buyers.