Auction Date:2012 Dec 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Editor of the British news magazine, ‘Review of Reviews,’ Stead was one of the earliest proponents who were lobbying for the big ocean liner companies to increase the number of lifeboats on steamships to avert a great loss of life should a disaster occur at sea. W. T. Stead was also a devout member of the early ‘Spiritualist’ movement and he attended numerous psychic gatherings and even séances conducted by well known spirit mediums of the day. Titanic lore relates that Stead’s lobbying for an increased number of lifeboats on passenger liners was as a direct result of a dream he once had in which he saw himself as the victim of an ocean liner sinking. Indeed, some months before Stead found himself a first class passenger onboard the Titanic a psychic medium had warned him that ocean travel during the month of April 1912 would be “particularly hazardous.” A solid sterling silver presentation trowel belonging to the sister of first class Titanic passenger and victim of the sinking, W. T. Stead. Trowel measures 12.5? long with the silver blade of the trowel engraved “Stead Memorial Church. Presented to M. I., (Mary Isabella), Stead on the occasion of her laying a foundation stone of the Congregational Church, Howdon on Tyne, 1st October, 1890.” The blade of the trowel is highly decorated with ornate engraved leaves and elaborate scrollwork as well as a struck silver hallmark denoting the date of manufacture. The handle of the trowel is crafted from genuine hand-carved mother of pearl. Obviously a dearly cherished and valuable Stead family heirloom, this presentation trowel is a striking example of ‘Gilded Age’ opulence and fine craftsmanship and has a direct association to a Titanic passenger.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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