The item belonged to Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy's department store, who died in a shipwreck in 1912. The story of the Strauses, who died together, still touches the hearts of people around the world. A pocket watch that belonged to Isidor was auctioned off at Henry Aldridge and Son Auctioneers.
See also: Secrets of the depths. Therefore, the Titanic will never be recovered
The Titanic disaster is one of the most memorable events of the 20th century, which still arouses great interest today. Souvenirs related to this tragic event are not only valuable historical artifacts, but also carriers of extraordinary human stories.
The text continues below the video
The story of the Strauses, who died together, still touches the hearts of people around the world. As the BBC reminds, Isidor Straus was an American businessman and co-owner of the famous Macy's department store in New York. He and his wife Ida were traveling aboard the Titanic when the ship sank after hitting an iceberg on April 14, 1912.
Ida, despite the possibility of saving herself, refused to enter the lifeboat, choosing to stay by her husband's side. Her body was never found, and Isidor was fished out a few days after the crash.
Titanic watch sold for a record amount. It stopped as the ship sank
The Jules Jurgensen pocket watch, made of 18-carat gold, was a gift from Ida to Isidor on the occasion of his 43rd birthday in 1888. The item, which was retained when the ship sank, was later returned to the Straus family. Over the years, it was passed down from generation to generation until it was finally restored by Isidor's great-grandson, Kenneth Hollister Straus.
See also: The iconic balustrade on the Titanic wreck is falling apart. There are the latest photos
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge emphasized the importance of this unique souvenir. “The record price for the watch illustrates the continuing interest in the Titanic's story. Every passenger and crew member had a story, and the Strauses were the ultimate love story. Ida refused to leave her husband, and this record price is a testament to the respect in which they are held,” said Aldridge, quoted by the BBC.
Other Titanic memorabilia was also sold during the same auction. A letter written by Ida Straus on ship stationery fetched PLN 100,000. pounds, and the passenger list was sold for PLN 104,000. pounds. In total, the auction raised £3 million.
