Titanic Survivor’s Life Jacket Sells For Nearly $1 Million At Auction

A rare Titanic life jacket worn by survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli has sold for $906,000 at a UK auction, making history as the first survivor’s vest ever offered for sale. Conducted by Henry Aldridge & Son, the auction far exceeded expectations, reflecting the enduring fascination with Titanic artifacts. Francatelli, secretary to fashion designer Lucy Duff‑Gordon, escaped aboard lifeboat No. 1, which controversially left with only 12 passengers despite space for 40. Her vest, signed by fellow survivors, is one of only a handful of life jackets known to exist.