Postcard from Titanic Victim to be Auctioned

A postcard penned aboard the Titanic by Richard William Smith, who perished when the vessel struck an iceberg three days subsequent to its writing, is scheduled for auction later this month. Mr. Smith addressed the card to a friend in Norwich, stating: “Have had a fine run around to Queenstown. Just leaving for the land of stars and stripes”. The ill-fated liner departed from Southampton, making stops in Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown (currently known as Cobh) in Ireland, prior to its transatlantic journey. While most postcards from the Titanic carry a ‘Queenstown’ franking or the ship’s own postmark, this particular card was mailed from Cork, which significantly increases its rarity. Mr. Smith was among the more than 1,500 individuals who died when the Titanic sank on 14 April 1912. Andrew Aldridge, managing director of Henry Aldridge & Son, an auction house located in Devizes, Wiltshire, commented on the postcard, stating: “It is an incredibly powerful and poignant message.” He added that Mr. Smith “had no idea of what was coming over the horizon approximately 80 hours later.” Mr. Smith had been traveling with Emily Nicholls, a family friend, who mailed the postcard on his behalf after she disembarked in Ireland. This item is part of over 300 Titanic-related lots scheduled for sale at the auction, commencing at 12:00 GMT on 16 November. Mr. Aldridge projected the postcard’s selling price to be between £6,000 and £10,000. He explained its appeal, saying: “It will be of interest to two different kinds of people: Titanic specialists, of course, but also stamp collectors who like postmarks. This one, dated ‘Cork 3.45pm April 11 1912’ is exceptionally rare.” Although the swirling ink makes the lettering somewhat indistinct, the postcard seems to be addressed to Mrs. Olive Dakin at 2 Albemarle Place, Newmarket Road, Norwich. An Albemarle House reportedly still exists on that street. John Balls, who serves as chairman of The Norfolk Titanic Society and has authored two books concerning the tragedy, recalled the postcard being offered for sale in the 1990s. He remarked: “There was lots of interest then and I expect there will be this time round, too.” He further suggested: “And, of course, it may be that the publicity around the sale prompts relatives of the lady with the Norwich address to come forward.” Henry Aldridge & Son specializes in Titanic memorabilia, conducting auctions biannually. In April, the firm sold a gold pocket watch, which belonged to the ship’s wealthiest passenger, for £900,000 – an amount six times its asking price.