Titanic Survivor’s Tiffany Watch Smashes Auction Record
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A piece of Titanic history has sold for a staggering $1.97 million, setting a new world record for Titanic memorabilia. The item? A rare 18-karat gold Tiffany & Co. pocket watch, gifted to Captain Arthur H. Rostron of the RMS carpathia, the ship that rescued hundreds of Titanic survivors.
The watch, presented in April 1912, carries a poignant inscription: “On behalf of the three survivors of the Titanic, John B. Thayer, John Jacob Astor and George D. Widener, their widows paid their heartfelt thanks and tribute to Captain Rostone on April 15, 1912.” The captain’s initials, “AHR,” are also elegantly enameled on the back.
The watch’s journey is as remarkable as it’s price. Originally purchased for $135 by Mrs.Eleanor Elkins Widener, widow of George D. Widener, it was presented to Captain Rostron at a luncheon hosted by Mrs. Madeleine Talmage Astor at her New York mansion – a critically important event covered by the press at the time.
The auction, held in November at Henry Aldridge & Son in the United Kingdom, saw the watch acquired by a private U.S. collector. The sale underscores the enduring fascination with the Titanic tragedy and the enduring value of luxury goods with historical significance.
Christopher Young, Vice President of Creative Visual Merchandising, Events and Tiffany Antiques, commented, “Since the mid-19th century, Tiffany’s jewelry and art masterpieces have become an significant cornerstone of the global luxury goods industry. After the tragedy of the Titanic, Tiffany was given the mission to convey gratitude through different works, which reflects our customer… This pocket watch is the ultimate symbol of gratitude that cannot be fully expressed in words. We are honored to be able to give this extraordinary piece of history and emotion. bring the treasure back to Tiffany.”
Tiffany & Co. highlighted the watch as a testament to their long history of fine watchmaking, dating back to 1847.Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd, added, “Every survivor on the Titanic has his or her own unique story…”
The record-breaking sale not only highlights the enduring appeal of Titanic artifacts but also underscores the enduring legacy of tiffany & Co. and the power of historical objects to capture the creativity and command extraordinary prices.
Titanic Artifacts Fetch Record Prices at auction
Two pieces of Titanic memorabilia have recently shattered auction records, captivating collectors and highlighting the enduring legacy of the ill-fated ocean liner. the sales underscore the intense market demand for artifacts connected to the tragic 1912 sinking, with prices reaching unprecedented heights.
A pocket watch belonging to Sir joseph Ismay, the chairman of the White Star Line, the company that owned the Titanic, recently sold for a staggering sum. This remarkable timepiece, a tangible link to the ship’s history, has been described as a symbol of both Ismay’s leadership and the era’s opulence. Tiffany & Co., the original seller of the watch, even repurchased it 112 years later, a testament to its historical significance. “I found my home,” one auction representative reportedly stated, reflecting the emotional weight of the sale.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge commented on the record-setting sales, stating, “The two records set by Titanic collectors this year demonstrated the enduring fascination with the Titanic story and the value of Titanic collectors’ items as supplies become increasingly dwindling. But the market demand is very large.” This statement underscores the growing rarity and escalating value of these historical artifacts.
Adding to the remarkable auction results, a 14-karat gold Waltham pocket watch engraved with the initials “JJA” – belonging to John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent passenger who perished in the disaster – also achieved a record-breaking price earlier this year. This watch, passed down through the Astor family, sold for £1.175 million in April. The sale of this watch, according to auction records, involved a transfer from Vincent Astor (son of John Jacob Astor IV) to the son of William Dobbyn, Astor’s executive secretary, before eventually reaching the auction block.
These record-breaking sales highlight not only the enduring fascination with the Titanic tragedy but also the significant financial value placed on tangible connections to this pivotal moment in history. The dwindling supply of such artifacts only serves to further increase their desirability among collectors worldwide.
Titanic Watch: A Symbol of Gratitude Shatters Auction Record
After a recent auction saw a rare Tiffany & Co. pocket watch sell for a record-breaking $1.97 million, we spoke with maritime history expert Dr. Sophia Bell to discuss the significance of this piece and what it tells us about our enduring interest with the Titanic.
World-Today News: Dr. Bell, this Tiffany watch, gifted to Captain Rostron of the carpathia, has been described as a “symbol of gratitude.” Can you expand on the historical context behind this inscription?
Dr. Sophia Bell:
Absolutely. This pocket watch was presented to Captain Rostron by the widows of three Titanic survivors: John Jacob Astor IV,George D. Widener, and John B. Thayer.These men were tragically lost in the disaster, leaving behind heartbroken families. This watch was a tangible expression of their immense gratitude towards Captain Rostron and the crew of the Carpathia for rescuing over 700 survivors from the freezing waters of the Atlantic.
World-Today News: The watch’s journey is almost as compelling as its price tag. Can you walk us through its path from the Titanic tragedy to this record-breaking auction?
Dr. Sophia Bell:
The watch’s story begins with mrs. Eleanor Elkins Widener purchasing it from Tiffany & Co. for $135. she then presented it to Captain Rostron at a luncheon hosted by Mrs.Madeleine Talmage Astor, widow of John Jacob Astor IV. This event was highly publicized at the time, further solidifying the watch’s connection to the Titanic story. Over the years, the watch passed through various hands before finally reaching the auction block last November.
World-Today News: Beyond its historical significance, what makes this procuite so valuable to collectors?
Dr. Sophia Bell:
This watch is a remarkable confluence of history, craftsmanship, and tragedy. It’s a tangible link to one of the most significant maritime disasters in history, imbued with the stories of bravery, loss, and gratitude. Objects like this offer a poignant connection to the past,capturing the imaginations of collectors and reminding us of the enduring power of human stories.
World-Today News:
With recent years seeing an upsurge in Titanic memorabilia auctions, what does this say about our continued fascination with this event?
Dr. sophia Bell:
I believe the Titanic continues to captivate us as it’s a story that resonates on multiple levels. it’s a story of technological hubris, social disparity, human resilience, and ultimately, the fragility of life. the heartbreaking tragedy continues to evoke strong emotions, driving ongoing interest in artifacts and stories from that fateful night.
World-Today News: Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Bell.
