Recently, a gold watch that was discovered on the body of the wealthiest passenger aboard the Titanic was auctioned in England for £1.17 million ($1.46 million), as reported by AFP on April 27. The amount set a record for the highest sum paid for an item linked to the tragic 1912 shipwreck, as announced by auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son.
The watch, which had the initials JJA engraved on it, belonged to John Jacob Astor IV, an American tycoon who lost his life when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. He was only 47 years old at the time of his death but was known as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world during that period. Unfortunately, he perished after assisting his wife onto a lifeboat while helping others escape from the sinking ship.
Fortunately, Astor’s body was discovered a week later along with other personal effects. After its recovery and restoration, Astor’s son wore it until its eventual sale at auction. The bidding war attracted numerous buyers from around the world before a buyer from America emerged victorious and claimed ownership of this historic piece of jewelry.