Russell Crowe's divorce auction has won big after his movie memorabilia raked in more money than experts expected.

Among the biggest selling items, the 128-year-old Italian violin he learned to play before he starred in the 19th century war drama Master And Commander.

The rare instrument sold for 135,000 Australian dollars (£73,528), the highest price for movie-related offerings among 227 lots up for sale in Sydney as part of the actor's divorce settlement.

The full auction is tipped to raise £2 million but when asked what he might spend the money on, Crowe remained tight-lipped.

"I haven't really thought about that, you know, but money's useful, money's fun," he said.