Freeman’s Achieves Over $1.2 Million with Sale of RMS Titanic Artifacts Belonging to John Jacob Astor IV

CHICAGO—Freeman’s Watches auction on April 22 achieved remarkable results with the sale of two historic items associated with John Jacob Astor IV from the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic: a gold pocket watch made by Patek Philippe and retailed by Tiffany & Co., which sold to an Irish businessman for $1,024,000—241% above the low estimate—and a gold pencil by Battin & Co., which sold for $204,800—an impressive 1,948% over the low estimate. Preserved within the Astor family for over a century, both objects were offered at auction for the first time, achieving a combined total of $1,228,800.

“These results show a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship, and human narrative,” said Reginald Brack, SVP, Head of Department, Watches at Freeman’s. “It is uncommon to find property that unites four significant names—John Jacob Astor IV, the RMS Titanic, Tiffany & Co., and Patek Philippe. Each has its own legacy, but together they tell a unique and moving story. The market’s response confirms these objects’ emotional and historical significance to collectors worldwide.”

The auction attracted robust international participation, with 28% of buyers being new to the firm. The Watches sale totaled over $1.8M with a sell-through rate by value of 132%, underscoring the enduring market strength for rare watches of historic significance.

Recovered from Astor’s body days after the sinking, the watch and pencil remained in continuous descent through the Astor family, passing from Vincent Astor to Brooke Astor, and subsequently through later generations before entering the market from the estate of Charlene Marshall. The watch, accompanied by archival documentation from Patek Philippe, stands as both a masterwork of horology and a poignant relic of one of the 20th century's defining tragedies.

Astor, among the wealthiest passengers aboard the Titanic, famously ensured his wife's safety before remaining on deck as the ship foundered—an act that has become emblematic of the human stories behind the disaster. The objects he carried in those final hours now serve as tangible witnesses to that history.

Ahead of the sale, the watch and pencil embarked on a national tour that generated significant attention among collectors and institutions alike. The treasures were well received at a series of private events in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Palm Beach, offering an intimate opportunity to experience these historic artifacts firsthand. Public previews were held at Freeman’s New York and Chicago galleries, where the objects drew strong attendance and underscored their broad cultural resonance ahead of auction day.

For more information about The John Jacob Astor IV Titanic Legacy, click here.

Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories, including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.

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