Titanic watch up for auction on the Internet

1:48pm Wednesday 19th March 2008

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A silver pocket watch found on the frozen body of the last victim of the Titanic to be recovered has gone on sale.

The watch was discovered on Southampton steward Thomas Mullin, whose corpse was plucked from the freezing waters eight days after the stricken liner sank.

The 20 year old was a third class steward onboard the vessel and had only signed on four days before it departed on its ill-fated maiden voyage.

The watch has a white face but has lost both its hands and is damaged beyond repair.

It comes with a certificate of authenticity, insurance valuing it at double the final sale price and documents detailing Mr Mullins childhood, family life and employment history.

It is being sold on internet auction site eBay by collector Paul Thorpe, from East Grinstead, West Sussex.

The 48 year old, who runs online collectables shop 'Items of Beauty',said: "It's a unique watch.

"From an investment point of view its value is sure to rocket in 2012, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking.

"The White Star Line ship RMS Titanic famously struck an iceberg and sankon April 14, 1912, as it travelled from Southampton to New York, USA.

Mr Mullin, who was from Onslow Road, Southampton, was one of more than 1,500 people who died in the tragedy.

He joined the crew on April 6, 1912, and was the 45th person to sign on to the third class steward register. When he set sail he was earning a monthly wage of just three pounds and 15 shillings - £3.75 in today's money.

For the full story, see tomorrow's Daily Echo.