Russell Crowe's $104K violin high note of Sydney auction

A 128-year-old Italian violin that Russell Crowe learned to play in a few months before he starred in the 19th century war drama "Master and Commander" stole the show among movie memorabilia on offer at the Oscar-winning actor's auction today.

The rare instrument by Leandro Bislach sold for 135,000 Australian dollars (USD 104,000), the highest price for movie-related offerings among 227 lots up for sale in Sydney as part of the Australia-based New Zealander's divorce settlement.

More surprisingly, a costume that Crowe wore in the same 2003 movie wasn't far behind, raking in AU$115,000.

While the violin was close to the top of Sotheby Australia's valuation, the winning bid for character Captain Jack Aubrey's dress uniform exceeded the auctioneer's hopes by AU$80,000.

 

The violin's price was only exceeded by a painting from Crowe's extensive collection by Australian artist Brett Whiteley, "Moreton Bay Fig and Palms," which sold for AU$190,000. 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.