Simran Joshi
A gold pocket watch gifted to Captain Arthur Rostron, the heroic rescuer of over 700 Titanic survivors, has set a new record for Titanic memorabilia, fetching nearly $2 million at auction.
The 18-carat Tiffany & Co. timepiece, presented to Rostron by three women survivors in 1912, was sold by Henry Aldridge and Son to a private U.S. collector for 1.56 million British pounds, including taxes.
This historic artifact underscores the enduring fascination with the Titanic’s legacy and the extraordinary acts of courage that emerged from the tragedy.
A Historic Moment: A Watch That Saved 700 Lives
The 18-carat gold pocket watch, made by Tiffany & Co., epitomizes heroism and thanksgiving. Presented to Capt. Arthur Rostron by three Titanic survivors-Madeleine Astor, one of them being the widow of John Jacob Astor-the watch commemorates Rostron’s decisive acts during the Titanic disaster.
He steered his ship, the RMS Carpathia, through ice-filled treacherous waters to rescue over 700 survivors who survived the Titanic tragedy by being impeccable in bravery.
“It was mostly sold to be a gesture of gratitude for Rostron’s bravery in saving those lives,” said auctioneer Andrew Aldridge. “Without Mr. Rostron, those 700 people wouldn’t have made it.” The watch will be a testimonial of a night of heroism and tragedy, carrying in its heart the appreciation of survivors it assisted.
Enduring Fascination: Titanic Memorabilia Sets Records
Shattering records for Titanic artifacts, the watch has sold to a U.S. collector for 1.56 million British pounds. This sale eclipses that of the pocket watch of John Jacob Astor, which sold for nearly $1.5 million earlier this year. The remarkable demand for Titanic memorabilia underscores the enduring allure of its story.
“Every man, woman, and child had a story to tell, and those stories are told over a century later through the memorabilia,” Aldridge said. With dwindling supplies and growing interest, artifacts like this watch continue to captivate, preserving the Titanic’s legacy for generations to come.
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