The letter, characterized by clear cursive handwriting, was addressed to a European ambassador, who is the great-uncle of the current seller. It bears the letterhead with a distinctive red triangular flag featuring a white star, signifying its origin on the R.M.S. Titanic. Dated April 10, 1912, the letter was postmarked in London two days later and ultimately arrived at the Waldorf Hotel. The Titanic tragically sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, making Gracie's testimony all the more significant. The auction drew interest from around the world, culminating in a sale to an unidentified buyer in the United States, as reported by Andrew Aldridge, managing director of Henry Aldridge and Son, the auction house facilitating the event.
Titanic Artifact: Survivor's Letter Fetches Almost $400,000 at Auction
Titanic Artifact: Survivor's Letter Fetches Almost $400,000 at Auction
A letter penned by a Titanic survivor shortly before the ship's tragic sinking has captivated auction bidders, selling for $399,000.
In a remarkable auction event on April 27, 2025, a poignant letter written by Col. Archibald Gracie aboard the Titanic just days before its fateful collision with an iceberg was sold for an astonishing $399,000 (or 300,000 pounds). The Colonel, a first-class passenger, had described the ship as a “fine ship” but noted he would reserve judgment until the end of his journey. Remarkably, Gracie survived the horrific sinking, managing to cling to a railing as the ship went down and later finding refuge on a raft for hours in the frigid Atlantic before being rescued.
