R.M.S. TITANIC: First-Class passenger Caroline Bonnell's pri...

Hammer

£43,000

R.M.S. TITANIC: First-Class passenger Caroline Bonnell's printed promotional plan of the Titanic's First-Class accommodations that was used by her on Titanic and was saved from the sinking in her coat pocket. The rarity of this plan cannot be overstated but what takes it to another level is it is dated 29/3/12, one of only three such plans to exist and to the best of our knowledge the only example of this date to survive the disaster.
The outside reads "'White Star Line. Southampton-Cherbourg- New York Service (Via Queenstown Westbound, and Via Plymouth Eastbound) R.M.S. 'Titanic.' (Combination of Turbine and Reciprocating Engines). Triple Screw - 45, 000 Length, 882.6 Breadth, 92.6 One Of The Two Largest Steamers In The World. Plan of First Class Accommodation." Inside, embellished with the famous bright red White Star burgee, it shows the detailed ground plans of every First-Class cabin over several decks; plus First-Class Smoking Room, Lounge, Gymnasium, Restaurant, and Staircases, with 7 margin vignettes showing photographs of the rooms and an image of the ship at sea; and with details of the facilities offered: "Restaurant. - In addition to the regular Dining Saloon there is a large modern a la carte Restaurant, on Deck B, where meals may be obtained at any time between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. at fixed charges. The Restaurant is under the management of the Company, who have appointed Mr. L. Gatti, late of Oddenino's Imperial Restaurant, London as manager. Turkish, Electric and Swimming Baths. - A fully-equipped Turkish Bath is situated on Deck F, consisting of the usual steam, hot temperate, shampooing, and cooling rooms… A Gymnasium, fully supplied with modern appliances, is situated on the Boat Deck, and is open for exercise by Ladies and Gentlemen during the same hours as the Baths… A Squash Racquet Court is provided on Deck F, and is in charge of a professional player. A Verandah Cafe and Palm Court situated on Deck A, where light refreshments are served." Some minor separations along the intersecting folds, otherwise remarkable condition for a survivor of the world's most famous maritime disaster.
The vast majority of these plans were dated from December 1911, some were distributed to First-Class passengers who purchased a ticket to sail on Titanic. However this March example shows minor revisions to the original plans, many made their way on board with the passengers to aid them in finding their way around the ship however very few are documented to have survived. Passengers were initially told that they were being placed into the lifeboats as a precaution and that they would likely return to the ship. Because of this, some passengers left their valuables on board but took items with them which would be necessary or helpful in the event they returned to the ship.
Caroline Bonnell was a 30 year old, American First-Class passenger travelling home aboard Titanic, and was headed to Youngstown, Ohio, along with her aunt Elizabeth Bonnell, and her relatives George and Mary Wick and George's daughter, Mary's step daughter, Mary Natalie Wick. The family boarded Titanic in Southampton, UK. Caroline shared cabin C-7 with Natalie Wick. In Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912, Caroline boarded Titanic along with her family, including her aunt, Elizabeth Bonnell, who was going to America to visit her family.
During the voyage, Caroline and Natalie had hoped that they would see an iceberg, but they had been told that it was probably too late in the season. They had no idea their wish would come true, although not in the sense that they wanted. As Caroline and Mary Natalie lay half asleep in their cabin at 11.40 P.M on Sunday 14th April, they suddenly felt something grazing the ship's hull. They became aware that it was an iceberg after having opened their porthole window and hearing a voice that said this. Seemingly not too concerned, they both stayed in their beds and discussed whether or not they should go up on deck to see the iceberg. Eventually they decided to put on some warm clothes and go up on deck to have a look. At some point Caroline remarked, "Well, thank goodness, Natalie, we are going to see our iceberg at last". Out on the deck they saw nothing but calm. As they were about to return to their cabin, Caroline said that an officer told them to go and get their lifebelts. After being told this, they went to the cabin of Natalie's father, George Wick, who reassured them that everything was fine, before they returned to their own cabin, only for a crew member to soon knock on their door to tell them to go to A deck. Caroline then went to fetch her aunt Elizabeth. On the port side boat deck, Caroline, Natalie, Mary Wicks and Elizabeth Bonnell all boarded lifeboat 8, one of the first five to leave the ship. George Wick is said to have waved to them as the boat was lowered. In the lifeboat during the night, Caroline had a go at rowing, which she found to be difficult. All in lifeboat 8 were rescued by Carpathia. George Wick was lost in the disaster. As she arrived on the Carpathia she was given a blanket, a brandy and some water. She later spoke very highly of the passengers and crew of Carpathia, saying they were "kindness itself" and that they could not do enough to repay them. 30ins x 40ins
Provenance via Direct Descent and passed to the present owner via Caroline's daughter Mary upon her death in 2017, a folder of copies of letters relating to Caroline and also the Wick family, fellow passengers and natives of Youngstown, Ohio where the Bonnells resided. A letter from a member of the family also accompanies the lot. Thanks to www.encyclopedia-titanic.org for additional biographical information.