Titanic Pocket Watch Adorned with Hebrew Letters Fetches $57,500 at Auction
The Discovery
On April 15, 1912, the world was shaken by the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Among the more than 1,500 lives lost was that of Sinai Kantor, a Russian immigrant. When recovery workers later retrieved his body from the depths of the North Atlantic, they discovered a number of personal items that had been on his person, including a silver pocket watch inscribed with Hebrew letters.
The Pocket Watch
The pocket watch, which had spent countless days submerged in saltwater, bore the scars of its harrowing journey. Its silver case had worn away to reveal the brass beneath, its hands were nearly deteriorated, and its dial was stained. Despite its damaged condition, the watch’s intricate decoration remained visible. On its back cover was an embossed depiction of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, while the face featured Hebrew letters in place of numerals, a testament to Kantor and his wife Miriam’s Jewish faith.
The Auction
Recently, the pocket watch resurfaced at an auction held by Heritage Auctions. Its historical significance and unique craftsmanship attracted the attention of collectors worldwide. The watch ultimately sold for an impressive $57,500 to John Miottel, the owner of the private Miottel Museum in California. Miottel, who already possesses a collection of timepieces belonging to Titanic victims, plans to give the pocket watch a prominent place in his museum’s display.
The Kantors’ Story
Sinai and Miriam Kantor were a young couple filled with dreams of a brighter future in America. They boarded the Titanic in Southampton, England, with aspirations of starting anew in New York City. Sinai, a furrier, brought with him several trunks of fur, hoping to sell them to fund their education. Miriam, a college graduate, planned to pursue dentistry.
Tragically, their hopes were cut short when the Titanic sank. As women and children were evacuated from the ship, Miriam managed to board a lifeboat. Sinai, however, perished in the disaster.
Miriam’s Struggle
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Miriam faced a difficult struggle to recover her husband’s possessions. She corresponded with legal aid societies and government officials, claiming that many of Sinai’s belongings, including the pocket watch, were missing from his body when it was recovered.
Eventually, Miriam succeeded in obtaining her husband’s possessions. The pocket watch was passed down through their family until it was sold by a direct descendant at the recent auction.
The Significance of the Pocket Watch
The Titanic pocket watch is not merely a timepiece; it is a tangible reminder of the tragic events of that fateful night in 1912. It bears witness to the lives lost, the dreams shattered, and the resilience of those who survived.
Through its intricate craftsmanship and its connection to a poignant human story, the pocket watch serves as a valuable artifact that helps us to remember the past and to honor the memory of those who perished in the Titanic disaster.
