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Maximus Decimus Meridius' (Russell Crowe) cuirass from Ridley Scott's historical epic Gladiator. Antonius Proximo (Oliver Reed) gave his cuirass to Maximus after Maximus agreed to "win the crowd" at the Colosseum. This cuirass screen-matches the scene where Proximo picked up the cuirass and threw it to Maximus, who caught and inspected it.

The cuirass comprises a breastplate, a backplate and two leather straps that sit laterally under each arm. Made of formed dark brown leather, the cuirass features moulded abdominal and pectoral muscles and faux-silver breastplate embellishments showing two sejant griffins and a laurel wreath. The breastplate connects to the backplate at the shoulders via leather cords that are tied into punched holes, and above the hips via dual leather buckles. The underarm leather straps connect to the breastplate and backplate via leather cord tied to hidden metal brackets.

The film's costume designer Janty Yates stated that 12 sets of armour were created for Maximus, and that it was Crowe's idea to add silver embellishments to the cuirass breastplate. As Maximus won more gladiatorial contests later in the film, further icons appeared on his breastplate. The cuirass has been intentionally weathered and remains in very good condition.

Estimate: £10,000 - 15,000 M

View all lots from GLADIATOR (2000)