Titanic life jacket sold

The auction at Henry Aldridge & Son in Wiltshire saw intense bidding for the flotation device, which is signed by Francatelli and other survivors.

It is the only life jacket from the 1912 disaster to be put up for auction in over a century, highlighting the enduring fascination with the sinking.

Other items sold included a seat cushion from a lifeboat and a passenger's gold watch, further smashing pre-sale estimates.

The sale underscores the significant market value of authentic Titanic memorabilia and its historical importance to collectors worldwide.