A present from RMS Titanic's unsinkable Molly to rescue ship RMS Carpathia's captain is expected to fetch an auction price of more than £50,000.
The 15-inch tall sterling silver cup was given by American socialite and Titanic survivor Margaret Brown to RMS Carpathia's Captain Arthur Rostron during a New York ceremony as a token of thanks for the lives he led to save.
These words are engraved at the base of the cup: Presented to Captain A. H. Rostron RD, RNR, Commander of the RMS Carpathia. "In grateful recognition and appreciation of his heroic and efficient service in the rescue of the survivors of the Titanic on April 15th 1912, and of the generous and sympathetic treatment he accorded us on his ship. From the Survivors of the Titanic."
Margaret Brown earned her famed nickname when she escaped from certain death after the Titanic crashed against an iceberg on the night of April 14 1912. The ship was on its first voyage, a journey to New York from Southampton, when the tragedy happened.
Captain Rostron led to save the 866 people who escaped the fated ship. Margaret Brown was among the last to reach the Carpathia. She was quick to organise a committee onboard the ship to assist destitute survivors financially. Before the Carpathian docked in New York, Margaret Brown's committee had already raised $10,000.
The ceremony where Margaret Brown honoured Captain Rostron with her token was arranged a month after the Titanic sank. Each crew member of the rescue ship was given a medal, in bronze, silver, or gold depending on their rank, as appreciation for their heroism and kindness.
Auctioneer Andre Aldridge assesses, "This is without doubt one of the most iconic objects relating to the Titanic disaster and carries a truly impeccable provenance."
"It has remained in the Rostron family since its presentation on May 29 1912 and has been exhibited in the National Museums Liverpool, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the world's largest Titanic museums in Branson and Pigeon Forge in the USA."
"We have estimated it at £40,000 to £60,000."
Auction house Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes will be selling a few other Titanic memorabilia alongside Captain Rostron's cup.
