A pocket watch found among the belongings of a second-class passenger on the Titanic, which sank in 1912 in one of history's worst maritime disasters, is set to go up for auction in the UK on April 26th, drawing worldwide attention. This watch, bearing witness to the tragic moment, is resurfacing after 113 years, reminding us once again of the Titanic's sorrowful history.
The pocket watch being auctioned belonged to Hans Christensen Givard, a second-class passenger from Denmark, who was among the over 1,500 victims of the Titanic disaster. His body was recovered from the North Atlantic and laid to rest in Halifax, Canada, on May 10, 1912.
Among Givard's possessions found were the pocket watch, a savings book, keys, cash in a wallet, a compass, and a passport, all of which were returned to his family after the accident. The upcoming auction was made possible by the decision of Givard's descendants to sell some of his belongings, including the watch. Henry Aldridge and Son, the auction house handling the sale, estimates the pocket watch will fetch around £50,000 (approximately 83 million Korean Won).
Givard, who was 27 years old at the time, was traveling to the United States, and two friends accompanying him also perished in the Titanic sinking. Andrew Aldridge of the auction house explained the watch's tragic significance, stating, "The watch's movement is frozen in time at the moment the cold North Atlantic waters consumed not only its owner but the most famous ocean liner of all time, Titanic, on April 15, 1912."
In addition to Givard's pocket watch, other rare artifacts related to the Titanic disaster will also be auctioned. These include a letter and medal belonging to Erik Gustaf Lind, a first-class Swedish passenger, and a third-class ticket of Portage Tomlin, another passenger, both of whom tragically lost their lives in the sinking.
Furthermore, the violin used in the 1997 James Cameron film 'Titanic' during the scene where the musicians played as the ship sank will also be part of the auction, generating even greater interest. This violin, symbolizing the noble spirit of the musicians who continued to play to comfort the passengers until the very end, is expected to fetch up to £60,000 (approximately 100 million Korean Won).
The sinking of the Titanic was a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of over 1,500 innocent people, leaving deep sorrow and regret in the hearts of many even 113 years later. The pocket watch and other artifacts being auctioned are more than just antiques; they are invaluable relics that vividly testify to the era and the tragic history. Through these items, we can once again reflect on the fateful limitations of humanity and the helplessness in the face of disaster, commemorate the victims, and remember the importance of safety. As the auction results are keenly awaited, there is a strong hope that these artifacts will be recognized for their historical value and carefully preserved.
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