An antique gold pocket watch, gifted to Captain Arthur Rostron for his heroic efforts in rescuing over 700 survivors from the Titanic disaster, has set a record by selling for £1.56 million ($1.97 million) at auction. This 18-carat Tiffany & Co. timepiece holds immense historical value, as it was presented to Captain Rostron by the widows of three influential business figures who tragically perished aboard the Titanic on April 15, 1912.
Captain Rostron, who commanded the RMS Carpathia, was credited with altering his ship's course upon receiving the Titanic's distress signals. Despite the perilous icy waters, he navigated the Carpathia with remarkable speed and precision, playing a pivotal role in saving hundreds of lives. The pocket watch, inscribed with a heartfelt message, reads: "Presented to Captain Rostron with the heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of three survivors of the Titanic April 15th 1912 Mrs. John B. Thayer, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Mrs. George D. Widener." These three women, whose wealthy husbands perished in the tragedy, sought to honor Rostron's bravery and dedication.
Among the notable Titanic passengers was John Jacob Astor IV, who ensured the safety of his pregnant wife before he succumbed to the disaster. The pocket watch was formally presented to Captain Rostron during a ceremony at Mrs. Astor’s mansion in New York on May 31, 1912, marking the first anniversary of the Titanic's ill-fated maiden voyage.
This record-breaking sale surpassed the previous Titanic memorabilia auction earlier in the year, when another pocket watch sold for £1.175 million ($1.485 million). Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge commented, "These prices just get crazier because what's coming to market is just getting scarcer and scarcer." The watch was sold to a private U.S. collector, and the final price includes all fees and taxes, emphasizing the continued fascination with Titanic artifacts and the enduring legacy of the ship's story.
The sale of this pocket watch highlights the continued reverence for Captain Rostron's heroism and the Titanic’s tragic history, a century after the disaster. It serves as a testament to the bravery of those like Rostron, whose courageous actions remain a source of inspiration today.
