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

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — 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 on Saturday.

The rare instrument by Leandro Bislach sold for 135,000 Australian dollars ($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.