Titanic Survivor's Life Jacket Sells for £670,000 at Auction
A life jacket worn by a survivor of the Titanic disaster has sold for a staggering £670,000 at auction. The safety vest was used by first-class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli in lifeboat number one during the 1912 tragedy. The jacket bears the signatures of eight fellow survivors, including firemen Charles Hendrickson and George Taylor, and able seaman James Horswill, adding to its historical significance.
Record-Breaking Auction Prices
In the same sale held by Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, other Titanic artifacts fetched high prices. A watch recovered from the body of wealthy businessman Frederick Sutton, who drowned in the sinking, sold for £180,000. Additionally, a seat cushion from a lifeboat, featuring an original White Star burgee plaque, went for £390,000. The cushion was purchased by the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri, and is set to go on exhibition.
The auction included 344 lots, with final sale prices including the buyer's premium. About 15 items were directly from the ill-fated ship, and roughly half related to the vessel's story more broadly. Managing director Andrew Aldridge noted that these record-breaking prices reflect ongoing public interest in the Titanic, its passengers, and crew.
Laura Mabel Francatelli's Story
Ms. Francatelli was the secretary to fashion designer Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and was accompanied on the trip by Lady Lucy's husband, Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon. The life jacket, made by Fosbery & Co., comprises 12 cork-filled pockets of canvas with shoulder rests and side straps. It is a rare example because it is one of few remaining original life jackets where the wearer is identifiable.
Following the disaster, Miss Francatelli wrote at least two accounts of her experiences. She was also central to a controversial episode: she and the Duff Gordons were among 12 people lowered into the North Atlantic on a 40-capacity lifeboat. They opted not to return to rescue others floating in the icy sea, sparking debate.
Other Notable Artifacts
The 18-carat gold pocket watch owned by first-class passenger Frederick Sutton, 61, is heavily dented, with the face bearing scars from the sinking. The hour and minute hands are missing, but the second hand remains frozen in time by the cold water. Mr. Sutton, born in Suffolk and settled in New Jersey, traveled to England for health reasons and died on his return voyage. His body was buried at sea, and his effects were collected by his family, remaining with descendants until the auction.
The seat cushion was originally purchased by the friend of London tea importer Richard William Smith, who drowned. Mr. Smith was traveling to meet his friend in Brooklyn, New York. The cushion, made of canvas and taken from one of the 13 lifeboats that brought survivors to the SS Carpathia, was sold with an original length of rope and verifying documents.
These sales underscore the enduring fascination with the Titanic, immortalizing the memories of those involved through tangible memorabilia.
