£290,000
R.M.S. TITANIC - WALLACE HARTLEY VIOLIN ARCHIVE:
Wallace’s Titanic violin is the most iconic piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold at auction, on October 19th 2013 it sold for £1.1m. However it would not have survived if it were not for this early 20th Century stained English portmanteau/travel/valise case of English coach hide with a dark brown finish and bearing the initials W.H.H. embossed in black. The case has two broad leather retaining straps measuring 90ins. in length and the interior of the valise has an inset iron and brass closure mechanism, with the corner bases of the frame reinforced with brass angle plates. The Hartley violin was recovered inside this bag which served to protect the instrument against the water. The long straps would have been used by Wallace Hartley to strap the bag to himself as the Titanic was sinking. The bag was tested by the F.S.S. where corrosion deposits were recovered from the lock mechanism, metalwork and similar deposits were found internally. Prior to the violin being sold this bag accompanied it when displayed both at the Titanic Museum Attractions in the USA and also when displayed in the United Kingdom. We are honoured to be reoffering the Hartley Titanic valise, a full copy of the provenance documentation for the violin will accompany the valise. The bag itself represents an integral part of the Hartley violin's journey from Titanic to the present day and is one of if not the largest piece of luggage to have survived the ship. 26ins. x 14ins. x 12ins.
Ex Maria Robinson Collection, Lot 231 Henry Aldridge and Son October 2013.
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