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Lot #157: GLADIATOR (2000) - Maximus Decimus Meridius' (Russell Crowe) Arena Armour

Currency:GBP Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Props Start Price:25,000.00 GBP Estimated At:50,000.00 - 100,000.00 GBP
Lot #157: GLADIATOR (2000) - Maximus Decimus Meridius' (Russell Crowe) Arena Armour
Please note that all bids placed through 3rd party platforms will be subject to a buyer's expense of 5%. There is no fee for bids placed on propstoreauction.com

Day 1 and 2 of the auction will be held live with in-person bidding on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th November 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LN.

Please note in-person bidding is not available on Days 3 and 4 (Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November), bids can be placed online or via telephone or written absentee form.
GLADIATOR (2000) - Maximus Decimus Meridius' (Russell Crowe) Arena Armour

Maximus Decimus Meridius' (Russell Crowe) arena armour from Ridley Scott's Oscar& reg;-winning historical epic Gladiator. Maximus was gifted his cuirass by Proximo (Oliver Reed) early in his gladiatorial career, and it became progressively more embellished as the film went on. He wore his embellished armour when he fought the Roman champion Tigris of Gaul (Sven-Ole Thorsen) in a Colosseum duel marked by the presence of four ferocious tigers.

The armour is made of fibreglass covered in black leather exterior and black felt and suede interiors. Its central feature is a cuirass, which comprises a breastplate and a backplate. At the base of each plate hang cingulum militare, featuring several leather straps with metal detailing. The chest and back plates connect via dual riveted shoulder straps - one wide, the other narrow - and buckle straps that sit laterally under each arm. The cuirass exhibits moulded abdominal, pectoral and trapezius muscles. Completing the ensemble is a left shoulder plate, on the underside of which is an adjustable leather buckle strap.

The breastplate displays several white metal embellishments: two rampant horses, two griffins, two laurel branches, a cypress tree, and Maximus' wife and son. The shoulder plate displays further embellishments, with a horticultural theme. Costume designer Janty Yates stated that it was Crowe's idea to add icons whenever his character won gladiatorial contests.

A Robert Alsopp & Associates label is adhered to the inside of the breastplate. The armour has been intentionally distressed to look well used in battle, and has additional wear from age and use, including scuffing. It is displayed on a black custom-made wood-and-metal display stand.

Estimate: GBP 50000 - 100000 M

Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, November 9th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM BST and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, November 10th, Saturday, November 11th or Sunday, November 12th.