Titanic Gold Pocket Watch: Record-breaking Auction and Historical Journey
Titanic Gold Pocket Watch Fetches £1.175 Million at Auction
A gold watch once worn by John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent member of the affluent Astor family and the wealthiest individual aboard the Titanic, has set a new record in the realm of Titanic memorabilia.
Sold for a staggering £1.175 million ($1.485 million), the watch far exceeded its expected price range of £100,000 to £150,000. Andrew Aldridge, the managing director of auction house Henry Aldridge and Son, hailed the sale as a new pinnacle for Titanic-related artifacts.
A gold pocket watch that was recovered from the body of the richest man on the Titanic has sold for a record-breaking £1.175 million https://t.co/Qg0Z4TtkCN
— Bloomberg (@business) April 27, 2024
Source: Twitter/Bloomberg
Tragic Legacy: Astor’s Fate on the Titanic
Astor, along with approximately 1,500 others, met a tragic end when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after colliding with an iceberg.
His pregnant wife, Madeleine, survived the disaster, adding poignancy to the story of the ill-fated voyage.
Notable Artifacts at Auction
The gold watch was just one of the standout items offered at Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England.
Other notable artifacts included the valise that held the famous violin played by the band leader as the ship went down, and a pocketbook detailing the Titanic's planned voyages.
The valise fetched £360,000, while the violin itself commanded £1.1 million during a previous auction in 2013.
Historical Significance of Titanic Memorabilia
The substantial prices attained for these rare historical pieces underscore their significance and reflect the enduring fascination with the Titanic saga.
These artifacts serve as poignant reminders of the lives lost and the indelible mark left by one of history's most infamous maritime disasters.
Discovery of Astor’s Possessions
The auction house revealed that the watch was discovered among Astor's personal belongings following the Titanic's sinking.
Alongside the watch, items such as gold cufflinks, a diamond ring, money, and a pocketbook were also recovered, offering insights into Astor's status and lifestyle at the time.
Restoration and Gift
Following the recovery of Astor's body, his possessions were entrusted to his son, Vincent Astor.
Vincent took the initiative to fully restore the watch, ensuring its functionality once again. In 1935, Vincent Astor bestowed the watch as a christening gift upon the infant son of William Dobbyn IV, Astor's executive secretary.
Journey to Auction and Public Display
The Dobbyn family retained ownership of the watch until the late 1990s when it was put up for auction. An unnamed collector in the United States acquired the timepiece at that time.
Since then, it has been showcased in various museums, allowing countless individuals to admire its historical significance.
Andrew Aldridge highlighted the watch's journey, noting that it has been viewed by millions of people over the years, a testament to its enduring appeal and importance.
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