On Saturday a pocket gold watch owned by John Jacob Astor IV, the wealthiest passenger on the Titanic, was auctioned for £1.175 million($1.46 million).
The auction of this object, associated with the infamous 1912 Titanic disaster, achieved a historic price. Auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son confirmed that it set a record sum.
A successful US bidder outpaced the auctioneer’s initial estimate of £100,000 to £150,000, securing the prized item.
The pocket watch, bearing the initials ‘JJA,’ was the property of American tycoon John Jacob Astor.
John Jacob Astor IV, who was among the wealthiest individuals globally, perished during the Titanic’s sinking on April 15, 1912, at the age of 47.
Following his assistance in getting his wife, Madeleine, onto one of the lifeboats, John Jacob Astor IV perished during the Titanic disaster. Fortunately, Madeleine survived.
A week after the disaster, John Jacob Astor IV’s body was discovered, and among his personal belongings was a watch.
According to a statement from the auction house, the watch was fully restored after being returned to Colonel Astor’s family and subsequently worn by his son.
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