AFP - A crystal-encrusted white glove worn by late pop icon Michael Jackson has sold for 57,600 dollars (49,000 US) in Australia, doubling the auctioneer's estimate after a frenzied bidding war.

Auction house Bonhams & Goodmans said the glove, which went under the hammer in Melbourne late on Sunday, was the first to go on sale since the superstar's death on June 25.

The right-hand glove, made of white spandex and covered with hand-sewn clear crystals, was snapped up by the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in the United States.

Bonhams & Goodmans said Jackson wore the trademark glove to the Sydney premiere of his film "Ghosts" on November 15, 1996.

The King of Pop was in Australia for the HIStory World Tour at the time and earlier in the day had married his second wife Debbie Rowe.

Music journalist Peter Holmes and his friend Bill Hibble were apparently among the few audience members who laughed at the jokes in the short horror spoof and Jackson threw the glove to Hibble in thanks.

Hibble has since died and his father put the glove up for sale.

Las Vegas Hard Rock curator Warwick Stone said the glove would sit alongside memorabilia from Elvis Presley and Sex Pistol guitarist Sid Vicious.

"Michael Jackson gave it to someone in public in Australia and most collectors of Michael Jackson memorabilia knew about this glove," Stone told public broadcaster ABC.

"I've got the chain that used to hang around Sid Vicious's neck, I've got one of Elvis's .357 magnums which he used to shoot TVs with."

Stone said three more Jackson gloves were scheduled to come on to the market in the United States later this year but added: "I think I got the bargain."