A gold watch worn by John Jacob Astor IV, the richest passenger aboard the Titanic, was sold at auction for a record-breaking £1.175 million or $1.485 million.
Astor was one of approximately 1,500 people who died when the Titanic sank in 1912. He had the watch and other possessions on him when his body was recovered.
The watch made its way through Astor’s family until being auctioned in previous decades. It has been displayed in museums and seen by millions.
Other Titanic artifacts that sold at the recent auction included the valise that held the violin played by the ship’s bandleader as it sank. The valise sold for £360,000.
The auction house said the high prices reflect the ongoing interest in the Titanic story and memory of its passengers and crew. The watch sale set a new world record for Titanic memorabilia.
Source: CNN
