507. Russell Crowe hero "Maximus" sword from Gladiator. (DreamWorks, 2000) This hero sword was used by Russell Crowe as Maximus in the epic fight with Tigris of Gaul and later in the fight scene against Commodus. The sword was originally made for Richard Harris (who played Marcus Aurelius) who was to wear it while on horseback and while walking with Maximus after the battle in Germania. Harris, however, refused to wear it stating that his costume was already weighing him down, so the blade was changed and it became Maximus' sword. The sword's overall length is 31 ½ in. (aircraft grade aluminum gladius length blade measures 21 ¾ in.). The ornate appliqués on the hilt and scabbard are cast in brass and the grip is made from nine sections of ebonized wood and brass. The pommel is split by a thick band of brass and topped with a solid brass eagle's head. The guard has two brass eagles set in wreaths that flank a central standing eagle medallion with winged horses. The guard base plate is solid brass with the Roman inscription "SPQR". The scabbard is made of thin, curved wooden panels held together with an ornate brass frame. This Sword is by far the most seen weapon in the film as well as the most photographed sword with Russell Crowe for publicity purposes. Included with the lot are two extra blades—one of spatha length, which was made for the scabbard, and one gladius length rubber blade. The blade currently mounted on the hilt was used for the fight scenes and was purposely sharpened so that it would easily stick into the ground when Crowe planted it before the fight with Tigris of Gaul and then rubbed his hands with dirt. $10,000 - $12,000