London, Nov. 25 -- A pocket watch recovered from the body of a first-class Titanic passenger has set a new benchmark in maritime memorabilia after being sold for an astonishing USD 2.3 million at an auction in England, the highest price ever paid for an item linked to the ill-fated liner.
The exquisite 18-carat Jules Jurgensen timepiece, steeped in both historical and emotional significance, belonged to Straus, the esteemed co-owner of Macy's.
"The world-record price illustrates the enduring interest in the Titanic story," Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge from Henry Aldridge & Son, located in Devizes, Wiltshire, told The Guardian of the gold watch given to Isidor Straus by his wife, Ida. The item sold for the historic amount on Saturday, Nov. 2...