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Maximus Decimus Meridius' (Russell Crowe) arena armour from Ridley Scott's Oscar®-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: £50,000 - 100,000 M



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