Gold Pocket Watch from Titanic Passenger Fetches Record Price
A recent auction saw a gold pocket watch owned by businessman John Jacob Astor, the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic, sell for a staggering £1.2 million ($1.46 million). This sale set a new record for Titanic memorabilia.
Record-Breaking Sale
The auction, held at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, resulted in the pocket watch being acquired by a private collector in the US, surpassing the previous record set by a violin played during the Titanic’s sinking.
Historical Significance
John Jacob Astor, who tragically perished with the ship in 1912 at the age of 47, was last seen chatting and smoking on board. His body, along with the fancy gold pocket watch, was found a week later in the ocean.
Enduring Fascination with Titanic
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge described the prices achieved for the Titanic memorabilia as “absolutely incredible,” highlighting the enduring appeal and fascination with the Titanic story even 112 years after the tragedy.
Legacy of John Jacob Astor
John Jacob Astor, known as the richest passenger on the RMS Titanic, was among the wealthiest individuals of his time, with a net worth equivalent to several billion dollars today. His actions and fate during the Titanic disaster remain part of the ship’s compelling narrative.
Family Legacy
John Jacob Astor’s son, Vincent Astor, passed the watch down to William Dobbyn, the son of his father’s executive secretary, further adding to the historical significance and personal connections surrounding the artifact.