29-4-2024 (LONDON) A historic gold pocket watch worn by the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic during its tragic sinking has fetched a staggering sum of nearly $1.5 million at auction, setting a new record.
The exquisite timepiece belonged to John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent New York business tycoon and real estate magnate. Initially anticipated to fetch around $189,000, the 14-carat heirloom surpassed all expectations, ultimately selling for a remarkable total of $1.485 million, as confirmed by auction house Henry Aldridge and Son based in Wiltshire, England.
Engraved with Astor’s initials “JJA,” the watch was among the personal effects recovered from his body following the Titanic’s fateful encounter with an iceberg on April 15, 1912, during its inaugural voyage from Southampton to New York City. Astor, aged 47, tragically perished in the disaster after assisting his pregnant wife, Madeleine, onto a lifeboat.
According to Titanic folklore, when informed he couldn’t accompany his wife until all women and children had boarded lifeboats, Astor gallantly stepped back, lit a final cigarette, and handed his gloves to Madeleine. He then purportedly joined author Jacques Futrelle for a final smoke before their untimely demise.
Following its recovery from Astor’s body, the watch was presented by Astor’s son Vincent to the son of William Dobbyn, Astor’s executive secretary, as a christening gift. Eventually returned to the Astor family, the watch underwent meticulous restoration.
In addition to Astor’s watch, the auction featured Wallace Hartley’s bag, which once held the famed Titanic violin played by the bandmaster as the ship sank. Initially valued at around $150,000, the bag exceeded expectations, fetching $454,949 at the auction. The leather case was found strapped to Hartley’s body upon recovery, while the iconic violin, deemed the most valuable Titanic-related artefact, is showcased at the Titanic Belfast Museum.
Furthermore, Astor’s Titanic blueprint, illustrating the ocean liner’s layout, found a new owner, selling for $37,912.
