A pocket watch that belonged to the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic is set to be auctioned off and is expected to fetch as much as 150,000 pounds, or nearly $190,000.
Historic Auction
The auction for John Jacob Astor IV’s 14-carat gold Waltham pocket watch begins Saturday, with a starting bid of 60,000 pounds, according to auction house Henry Aldridge & Son. The watch, engraved with the initials JJA, was found along with Astor’s body when his remains were recovered several days after the Titanic sank.
The auction house highlighted that Astor was one of the richest passengers on the Titanic and among the wealthiest individuals globally, with a net worth of roughly $87 million in today’s terms.
Tragic Story of John Jacob Astor IV
Astor, accompanied by his young wife Madeleine, was on the Titanic, returning to the U.S. after an extended honeymoon trip to Europe and Egypt. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when the ship hit an iceberg on April 14, 1912.
As the Titanic was sinking, stories emerged of Astor’s gallantry, as he inquired about joining his pregnant wife on a lifeboat. However, he was advised to wait until all women and children were on the lifeboats. Instead of causing a scene, he lit a cigarette and chatted with author Jacques Futrelle, who also perished in the disaster.
Recovery and Legacy
Astor’s body, along with his precious watch, was recovered by the steamer CS McKay-Bennett on April 22, while Madeleine survived the tragedy.
The watch, after being restored, was worn by Astor’s son and has become a poignant part of the Titanic’s history, symbolizing one of the most critical artifacts linked to the ill-fated ship.
Other Titanic Artifacts
Recently, various items salvaged from the Titanic have been put up for auction, including a rare menu from the ship’s first-class restaurant and a pocket watch from another victim of the sinking. These items have garnered significant interest and value, emphasizing the enduring allure of the Titanic story.
Larger-than-Life Figure
John Jacob Astor IV, the scion of a prominent American family, was not only a wealthy businessman but also a multifaceted personality. His contributions to real estate, investment, and even invention have left a lasting impact on history, making him more than just a Titanic victim.
His lineage and achievements have been chronicled in various books, shedding light on the rise and fall of the Astor fortune, adding layers of complexity to his fascinating story.
