### Titanic Rescue Captain's Gold Pocket Watch Sells for Record $2 Million

In a historic auction, a gold pocket watch bestowed upon the captain of the ship that rescued hundreds of Titanic survivors was sold for nearly $2 million. This 18-carat Tiffany & Co. watch, a gift to Capt. Arthur Rostron of the RMS Carpathia, symbolizes a heroic act that saved over 700 lives after the Titanic's tragic 1912 sinking. The watch was sold by Henry Aldridge and Son to a private collector in the United States for 1.56 million British pounds, including taxes and fees.

The watch was originally given to Rostron by three female survivors, including Madeleine Astor, widow of John Jacob Astor, the wealthiest man to perish in the disaster. It also came from the widows of two other affluent businessmen who did not survive. This sale surpassed the previous highest price paid for Titanic memorabilia, which was nearly $1.5 million for John Jacob Astor's pocket watch, sold by the same auction house in April.

The high price reflects a growing fascination with Titanic relics and their stories. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge highlighted that both the dwindling supply and the historical value contribute to their collectible status. "Every man, woman, and child had a story to tell, and those stories are told over a century later through the memorabilia," he said.

Captain Rostron's swift and brave actions were crucial on the night of the catastrophe. The Carpathia, en route from New York to the Mediterranean, turned around immediately after its radio operator woke Rostron with the Titanic's distress call on April 15, 1912. Navigating through treacherous icebergs, the Carpathia reached the sinking site, where 1,500 people had already perished. Nevertheless, the crew rescued more than 700 passengers from 20 lifeboats and returned them safely to New York.

For his bravery, Rostron received multiple accolades, including the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal from President William Howard Taft and a knighthood from King George V. Madeleine Astor presented the watch to Rostron during a luncheon at her Fifth Avenue mansion in New York, inscribed with heartfelt gratitude from her, Mrs. John B. Thayer, and Mrs. George D. Widener.

Auctioneer Aldridge emphasized that without Rostron’s decisive actions, the survivors would not have made it, pointing to the inscription’s acknowledgment of his heroism and the lives he saved.