A life jacket worn by a survivor of the RMS Titanic sinking has been sold for £670,000 at auction, far exceeding expectations.
The jacket belonged to Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class passenger who escaped the 1912 disaster. It is believed to be the only Titanic life jacket ever offered for auction in the 114 years since the tragedy.
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge described the sale as remarkable, noting the enduring fascination with the Titanic and its passengers.
The flotation device, which features shoulder and side straps along with 12 pockets, also bears signatures from Francatelli and other survivors—adding to its historical value.
Originally expected to fetch between £250,000 and £350,000, the final price significantly surpassed estimates, highlighting strong collector demand.
In the same auction, a cushion from a Titanic lifeboat seat sold for £390,000. The item was linked to Richard William Smith, a London tea importer who perished in the disaster.
The auction was held in Southampton on April 14, marking the 114th anniversary of the Titanic sinking, and the lifeboat seat cushion is expected to be displayed in Titanic museums in the United States.
