The tragic fate of Titanicthe most famous ocean liner in the world, continues to arouse passions among fans and collectors, whose narrative James Cameron knew how to take advantage of so well in his already iconic 1997 film. An example is the more than 95,000 euros that have been paid for a original menu of the first-class restaurant, the only one preserved almost intact from the night of April 11.
The document was the star of the last batch of objects dedicated to the Titanic in the auction carried out by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire (United Kingdom), in which pieces such as a pocket watch from a second-class passenger who did not survive the shipwreck, or a tartan blanket from the company were also paraded White Star Line recovered from a lifeboat.
But it was the small piece of paper that focused all eyes and attracted the interest of bidders and curious onlookers, motivated both by the fascination that the Titanic continues to generate as well as the value that menus and menus from different periods, events and historical enclaves have in the world of collecting.
Several menus from the different restaurants on the liner are preserved, but according to Andrew Aldridgemanaging director of the auction house, the auctioneer is the only one known to date of the banquet that was served in the first-class restaurant on the night of April 11, thus allowing us to know a little better what the standard of living was like. the wealthiest travelers.
He April 11, 1912, the Titanic had just set sail from its last stop in Queenstown (Cobh, Ireland), and was crossing the cold waters of the Atlantic when the wealthiest passengers sat down to enjoy a fabulous banquet. Quite a gargantuan feast.
Dinner began with assorted appetizers and oysters, continuing with asparagus cream and consommé. renaissance. Afterwards, the main dishes; salmon with hollandaise sauce, veal tournedós, squab, lamb with mint sauce, roast chicken, duck and veal fillet, without forgetting garnishes of peas, parsnip puree, rice, potatoes and salad. Of dessertVictoria pudding, apricots bordalouemocha cupcakes and French ice cream.
The auctioned menu was found by chance in a old photo album belonging to Len Stephenson, a historian in Dominion, Nova Scotia. Its unique nature and excellent state of conservation, showing only a damp spot from having been underwatersurprised the auction house itself, which set the starting price at 60,000 pounds (about 68,677 euros).
Finally, last Saturday the historic menu managed to exceed the expectations of its organizers, selling to a private buyer for 84,000 pounds, about 96,146 euros.
Story of the Titanic (DK History)
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Photos | Henry Aldridge & Son
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