A pocket watch with a very heroic backstory has gone on display at Titanic Belfast.
The timepiece is a Tiffany & Co. pocket watch that was presented to a ship’s captain for saving hundreds of passengers from the doomed Titanic.
Arthur Rostron was captain of the RMS Carpathia, a passenger steamer that became known as Titanic’s Hero.
The ship navigated ice fields to reach the Titanic’s lifeboats less than two hours after it sank, with Captain Rostron and his crew rescuing more than 700 people.
The 18th century 18k gold Rostron Pocket Watch was presented to Captain Rostron by the widows of three wealthy businessmen who were lost on the Titanic.
After going on display at Titanic Belfast, the watch will be offered at auction.
The pocket watch joins another gift, the Carpathia Loving Cup, presented to Captain Rostron by one of Titanic’s most famous survivors, Molly Brown.
The Loving Cup is now permanently displayed as part of the Titanic Experience along with other artefacts.
The Northern Ireland visitor attraction was recently re-opened after a multi-million-pound redevelopment.
Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, said: “Captain Rostron is a significant part of RMS Titanic’s story as his heroic efforts ensured that over 700 of its passengers were rescued. We are proud to be able to publicly display his pocket watch until the end of October, presented to him by these high-profile widows and survivors of the tragic sinking.”
Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Sons, the world’s leading Titanic memorabilia auctioneers, added: “We are delighted to be able to place a watch of this importance with Titanic Belfast, the birthplace of Titanic this summer for visitors to enjoy prior to our specialist auction on November 16th. It’s a unique opportunity to see first-hand this stunning artefact, gifted to Arthur Rostron who was one of the heroes of the disaster.”