A gold pocket watch that once belonged to Isidor Straus, a prominent businessman and Titanic passenger, has fetched a record-breaking £1.78 million at an auction held by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire. This sale marks the highest amount ever paid for Titanic memorabilia, underscoring the enduring fascination with the ill-fated ship and its passengers.

A Tragic Love Story

Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy's department store, and his wife Ida were among the over 1,500 souls who perished when the Titanic sank on April 14, 1912. The couple's poignant story of devotion, refusing to be separated even in the face of death, has been immortalized in both history and popular culture, including James Cameron's 1997 film "Titanic." On that fateful night, Ida reportedly refused a lifeboat seat, choosing instead to remain with her husband. Their love story continues to resonate, as evidenced by the record-breaking sale of Isidor's watch.

Auction Highlights

The auction featured several other Titanic-related items, contributing to a total of £3 million in sales. Among these were a letter penned by Ida Straus on Titanic stationery, which sold for £100,000, and a passenger list that fetched £104,000. Additionally, a gold medal awarded to the crew of the RMS Carpathia, the ship that rescued over 700 Titanic survivors, was sold for £86,000. The watch, an 18-carat gold Jules Jurgensen, was a birthday gift from Ida to Isidor in 1888 and had been passed down through the Straus family.

Enduring Legacy

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge remarked on the world-record price achieved by the watch, noting it as a testament to the lasting interest in the Titanic's story. "Every man, woman, and child passenger or crew had a story to tell, and they are told 113 years later through the memorabilia," he stated. The auction not only highlighted the historical significance of the Titanic but also the personal narratives that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.