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Rare Titanic Survivor's Life Jacket Hits Auction Block This Weekend

KVIA•Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM•CNN Newsource

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A unique life jacket worn by Titanic survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli is set to be auctioned this weekend, marking a significant event for collectors of maritime history. The auction, hosted by Henry Aldridge and Son, is expected to attract bids between £250,000 ($339,000) and £350,000 ($474,000). This jacket is notable as it is the only one from a Titanic survivor to ever be offered for sale. Francatelli was a first-class passenger who survived the tragedy after boarding lifeboat number one. The auction not only features this iconic piece but also other memorabilia from the Titanic and White Star Line, providing a glimpse into the stories of the over 2,200 individuals aboard the ill-fated ship.

Key Details: • Auction date: This weekend at Henry Aldridge and Son. • Estimated sale price: £250,000 to £350,000 ($339,000 to $474,000). • The life jacket is the only one from a Titanic survivor ever auctioned. • Previously displayed at Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

collectibles auction memorabilia titanic maritime-history

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Laura Mabel FrancatelliAndrew AldridgeTitanic BelfastPigeon ForgeHenry Aldridge and Son

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