A rare and deeply emotional Titanic postcard, sent just one month after the ship’s tragic sinking, is set to attract global interest when it goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ February Derby Antiques & Collectors Auction, taking place between the 13th and 18th of February 2025. Discovered during a recent antiques valuation day in Nottinghamshire, the postcard is thought to possess both remarkable historical significance and sentimental value.
Charles Hanson was excited to reveal the discovery, commenting, “This postcard, sent to a Miss Dartnell on 23 May 1912, comes from a family collection and marks a poignant moment in history. Just over a month after the Titanic disaster, it serves as a striking reminder of the public’s fascination with the tragedy.”
The postcard, reflecting the brief but tragic life of the RMS Titanic, was re-issued shortly after the ship sank on 15 April 15 1912. While relatively few photographs of the ill-fated liner are known to exist, this postcard remains a rare and significant visual artifact from the time. It showcases a detailed image of the Titanic with billowing smoke from its funnels. Interestingly, one of the ship’s funnels was a dummy, designed solely for ventilation and to emphasise the vessel’s massive size and strength.
Charles Hanson explained the broader historical context: “The golden age of picture postcards spanned from 1907 to 1912, and Titanic postcards hold a special place in the ship’s legacy. In the post-Edwardian era, the public’s fascination with the tragedy and its victims gave rise to the production of such cards, often with morbid overtones. It’s an intriguing aspect of Edwardian society, where disasters, especially those on such a monumental scale, were often depicted and circulated as postcards.”
This particular Titanic postcard was mailed from Kilburn, London, on 23 May 1912, just over a month after the ship’s catastrophic sinking. Notably, the card still retains its original green half-penny stamp, which features the image of King George V, who reigned over the United Kingdom at the time.
As Charles Hanson points out, the Titanic tragedy captured the imagination of the public, leading to the widespread distribution of memorabilia like this postcard, which both commemorates and immortalises a moment of great historical significance.
The postcard will be featured in Hansons’ upcoming February sale, where it is expected to achieve a price between £100-150. With its deep historical connections and rare status, the postcard is expected to attract considerable interest from collectors and Titanic enthusiasts worldwide.
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Auction Information
Auction: Hansons Derby February Four Day Antiques & Collectors Auction
Auction date: 13th – 18th February 2025
Location: Hansons Auctioneers Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
