Col. Archibald Gracie’s personal account of the Titanic is now a historic artifact, with his letter fetching an impressive $399,000 at auction, drawing attention to the timeless tragedy of the ill-fated voyage.
Titanic Survivor's Letter Auctioned for Nearly $400,000
Titanic Survivor's Letter Auctioned for Nearly $400,000
A poignant handwritten letter from Titanic passenger Col. Archibald Gracie goes under the hammer, describing the ill-fated ship just days before its sinking.
Just days before the tragic sinking of the Titanic, a handwritten letter by Col. Archibald Gracie, who was a first-class passenger, brought an emotional weight as it was recently auctioned for an astounding $399,000. Composed on April 10, 1912, aboard the ship, Gracie characterized the Titanic as a “fine ship” while expressing a sense of anticipation for his journey to unfold.
The historic letter features elegant cursive handwriting and is addressed to an unspecified European ambassador, who is the great-uncle of the current seller. The letterhead bears a distinct triangular red flag emblazoned with a white star, accompanied by the words “On board R.M.S. Titanic.” Following its composition, Gracie’s letter was postmarked in London two days later and subsequently received at the Waldorf Hotel.
Tragically, the Titanic struck an iceberg just before midnight on April 14, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Gracie himself survived the ordeal, despite being thrown into the icy depths of the North Atlantic. He managed to grab hold of a life raft after being “swirled” underwater, where he spent several hours adrift until being rescued.
The recent auction, conducted by Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England, saw interest from collectors worldwide. While the identity of the buyer remains confidential, it's noted that they are based in the United States. The significance of this letter not only lies in its monetary value but also encapsulates a personal piece of history linked to one of the most infamous maritime disasters.
