The star lot in a collection of rare artefacts from the Titanic failed to sell in auction yesterday.
A solid silver centrepiece, which would have adorned a table in the fated liner's exclusive a la carte restaurant, was removed by second purser Reginald Barker and part-exchanged for a new uniform by the White Star Line tailor Horace Bradshaw just before the Titanic set sail from Southampton on its maiden voyage in 1912.
Along with 29 other Titanic items collected by Mr Bradshaw's family, it went under the hammer at Bonhams in Knightsbridge, London earlier today. Despite its expected price of £13,000, the centrepiece surprised the auctioneers by failing to sell.
Bonhams is considering including it in an auction of other Titanic artefacts which will be auctioned in Boston, USA on May 1.
A presentation silver inkstand, which belonged to the ship's Captain Smith went for the highest price of £3,960.
A silver-mounted glass sugar caster fetched £3,480.
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