Auctioned for nearly 770,000 euros, a life jacket that belonged to a survivor of the sinking of the Titanic was sold at auction in the United Kingdom.
A life jacket belonging to a survivor of the Titanic sinking was sold for around 769,000 euros at an auction in the United Kingdom. A sum much higher than initial estimates, which expected a price of between 339,000 euros and 474,000 euros.
A historic and unique object
According to the BBCthe object, presented as unique, was sold by Henry Aldridge & Son, in Devizes, Wiltshire. This is the only life jacket from the Titanic ever offered at auction since the disaster in 1912. This vest was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first class passenger who was among the approximately 700 survivors. She had used it before taking her place in a lifeboat.
The object has several characteristics. It is equipped with twelve pockets, side straps and shoulder supports. It also bears the signatures of survivors. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said he was “delighted” with the result. He affirms “the continuing interest in the history of the Titanic, as well as in its passengers and crew”.
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