Lost at Sea, Found by History: The Straus Watch and Letter heading to Auction
A poignant piece of Titanic history is set to be auctioned next month: a gold pocket watch and a heartfelt letter belonging to Isidor Straus, a frist-class passenger who perished with his wife, ida, when the ship sank in 1912. These items, never before seen publicly, offer a deeply personal connection to one of the moast famous maritime disasters. They are being offered by direct descendants of the Straus family through Henry Aldridge & Son Auctioneers in Devizes, Wiltshire.
A Legacy of Love and Sacrifice
Isidor and Ida Straus were not merely passengers aboard the Titanic; they were pillars of American society. Isidor, along with his brother Nathan, was a leading partner at Macy’s department store, and the couple represented the upper echelon of wealth and influence. Yet, their story isn’t one of privilege, but of profound love and unwavering principle.
When the Titanic struck an iceberg, the Strauses exemplified courage and selflessness. As chaos unfolded, Isidor famously refused a seat on a lifeboat, insisting that women and children be prioritized. Ida mirrored his devotion, declining to leave his side. Accounts vary, but they were last seen together, either embracing on deck or lying side-by-side in their stateroom as the ship went down.
The Artifacts: A Window into the Past
The upcoming auction features two remarkable artifacts:
* The gold Pocket Watch: Engraved with the initials ”IS,” this timepiece was a gift from Ida to Isidor in 1888. The inscription marks his 43rd birthday and coincides with the year he and Nathan became full partners at Macy’s. Experts estimate it could fetch over £1 million (approximately $1.25 million USD).
* The Letter: The contents of the letter remain undisclosed, but its existence adds another layer of intimacy to the Strauses’ story. It’s expected to sell for around £150,000 (approximately $187,500 USD).
These items were recovered from Isidor’s body in the days following the sinking and meticulously logged among his personal effects. their reappearance now offers a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of Titanic history.
A record-Breaking Market for Titanic Memorabilia
The auction highlights the enduring fascination with the Titanic and the escalating value of related artifacts. Consider these recent sales:
* Carpathia Captain’s watch (2023): £1.56 million (approximately $1.95 million USD) – the highest price ever paid for a Titanic artifact.
* wallace Hartley’s Violin (2013): £1.1 million (approximately $1.37 million USD) - the instrument played by the bandleader as the ship sank.
* John Jacob Astor’s Gold Pocket Watch (2023): £900,000 (approximately $1.12 million USD).
Given the Strauses’ prominence and the powerful narrative surrounding their final moments,the watch is poised to become one of the most valuable Titanic artifacts ever sold.
Why This Matters to You
Beyond the monetary value, these artifacts offer a powerful reminder of human courage, love, and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable tragedy. They connect you to a pivotal moment in history and the individuals who lived through it.
If you’re a collector of past memorabilia, a Titanic enthusiast, or simply someone moved by stories of resilience, this auction is a meaningful event.
The auction will take place on November 22nd. You can find more information and view the auction catalog at Henry Aldridge & Son Auctioneers: https://www.henryaldridge.co.uk/
Disclaimer: Exchange rates are approximate as of November 14, 2023.
