£80 Titanic Pocket Watch Sells at Auction for a Staggering Sum
A seemingly unremarkable pocket watch, purchased for just £80 in 1912, recently sold at auction for a staggering sum, demonstrating the enduring fascination with the Titanic tragedy.
A Timepiece with a History
The pocket watch, a silver Waltham model, was originally bought by a man named John Edward "Jack" Shaw, a third-class passenger on the ill-fated Titanic. Shaw, a 25-year-old baker from Liverpool, was travelling to New York to join his brother, who had already emigrated.
The Auction
The watch, which had been passed down through Shaw's family, was recently put up for auction by Henry Aldridge & Son, a well-known auction house specializing in Titanic memorabilia. The auction attracted significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, ultimately selling for a remarkable £102,000 - over 1,200 times its original price.
More Than Just a Watch
The watch's value goes far beyond its intrinsic worth. It represents a tangible link to the Titanic tragedy, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who were lost on the fateful voyage. The watch, along with a letter from Jack Shaw to his brother, offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster.
A Historical Artifact
The auction highlights the continuing interest in Titanic artifacts, which hold immense historical significance. Items connected to the tragedy, whether they be personal belongings, pieces of the ship itself, or documents related to the disaster, continue to attract high prices at auctions.
A Legacy of Remembrance
The £80 Titanic pocket watch's astronomical sale price serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of the Titanic tragedy. It underscores the enduring fascination with the event and its victims, showcasing the immense value of historical artifacts that connect us to the past.
Keywords: Titanic, Pocket Watch, Auction, John Edward Shaw, Waltham, Third-class Passenger, Liverpool, New York, Henry Aldridge & Son, Titanic Memorabilia, Historical Artifact, Legacy of Remembrance