The John Jacob Astor IV Titanic Legacy
Freeman's is honored to bring John Jacob Astor IV's Tiffany & Co.-Signed Patek Philippe pocket watch and gold Battin & Co. pencil to auction in our upcoming April 22 Watches sale.
A Gilded Age Magnate: John Jacob Astor IV
John Jacob Astor IV and his eighteen-year-old wife, Madeleine, boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. One of the wealthiest men in the world, and by far the wealthiest man on board, Astor and his wife had also attracted attention for him having divorced his wife of twenty years to marry the much younger Madeleine only seven months before the Titanic set sail. In the hopes of riding out the ensuing scandal away from New York society, which was by now the talk of the American papers, the Astors left the United States and embarked on a months-long honeymoon tour through Europe and Egypt. While in Egypt, Madeleine discovered that she was pregnant, so the couple decided to return to the United States so that their child could be born on American soil. It would be the Titanic’s maiden voyage. Accompanying the couple were Astor’s valet, Victor Robbins, Madeleine’s maid, Rosalie Bidois, her nurse Caroline Endres, and their Airedale Terrier, Kitty.
John Jacob Astor IV in 1895
Historic Artifacts from the Wealthiest Titanic Passenger
In addition to the dramatic history surrounding John Jacob Astor IV’s final journey, his personal effects offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the daily life of one of America's most prominent figures of the Gilded Age.
The elegant Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. pocket watch, manufactured circa 1904, exemplifies the craftsmanship favored by Astor and his social circle. Produced by Patek Philippe and sold through Tiffany & Co., the 18K yellow gold timepiece bears Astor’s engraved "JJA" monogram, marking it as a personal possession. The watch’s white dial and manual-wind movement are testament to the understated sophistication typical of early twentieth-century luxury horology. At a time when pocket watches served as both practical instruments as well as symbols of status, such a collaboration between Patek Philippe and Tiffany represented the pinnacle of precision and prestige.
Equally personal is the yellow gold pencil case by Battin & Co., a writing accessory measuring just under four inches long. Set with two old European-cut diamonds and a cabochon sapphire, the piece blends utility with the ornamentation characteristic of Edwardian jewelry. Sophisticated writing instruments were essential tools for businessmen and travelers alike, and Astor, an inventor, author, and real estate magnate, would have frequently relied on such an accessory for correspondence, notes, and daily affairs.
Together, the watch and pencil offer a connection to Astor’s personal world.
A Doomed Voyage: John Jacob Astor IV Aboard the RMS Titanic
Illustration of the RMS Titanic
When the Titanic struck the iceberg at 11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912, the Astors were in their suites on C-Deck. Hearing a commotion, Astor left to find out what was happening. He found Captain Edward J. Smith and said, “Captain, my wife is not in good health. She has gone to bed, and I don’t want to get her up unless it is absolutely necessary. What is the situation?” Captain Smith advised, “Wake your wife and come to the Boat Deck.” Astor told Madeleine it seemed only a precaution, but the crew would be loading the lifeboats.
While the crew prepared the lifeboats, the Astors talked with other passengers and waited in the gymnasium. Like many, they underestimated the danger. They considered boarding the first lifeboat at 12:45 a.m. but changed their minds with Astor remarking, “We are safer here than in that little boat.”. As the ship sank lower, the gravity of the situation became clear.
Less than an hour later, Astor helped Madeleine into Lifeboat No. 4. He asked Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller if he might join his wife, noting that she was in a “delicate condition.” Lightoller replied that no men would be loaded into lifeboats until all women and children were safely off the ship. Astor nodded, kissed Madeleine goodbye, telling her as he did, "I'll see you in New York' then stepped back. Witnesses last saw him waving to her lifeboat.
The New York American report of the sinking of Titanic. Most reports featured the Astors in the headlines.
Recovery and Legacy: Life After Tragedy
In the days after the Titanic was lost, Astor’s eldest son, Vincent, was frantic to find his father’s body, at one point even suggesting to hire a salvage ship to go to the wreck site, use magnets to locate it precisely, and then blast open the hull in the hope that this would bring his father’s body to the surface. Ultimately, this proved to be unnecessary, as the cable ship Mackay-Bennett, which had been chartered from Halifax; by the White Star Line to recover what it could of the Titanic’slost passengers, found Astor’s body on April 22. Vincent, and Astor’s executor, Nicholas Biddle, picked up his body and his personal effects in Halifax and returned to New York City, where he was buried in Trinity Church Cemetery, in Upper Manhattan. His was the first body to be claimed. Four months later, Madeleine gave birth to their son, John Jacob Astor VI.
Among the personal effects recovered were a “gold watch, cuff links, gold and diamond, diamond ring with three stones…and a gold pencil.”
Identifying Document of Body No. 124 John Jacob Astor; Vincent Astor sur le pont d'un paquebot, circa 1920
The Journey of the John Jacob Astor IV Pocket Watch
This 18K gold Patek Philippe pocket watch represents a century-long lineage of America’s wealthiest family:
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1904 – John Jacob Astor IV purchases the 18k Yellow Gold Patek Philippe pocket watch from Tiffany & Co.'s flagship store, in New York City.
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1912 – John Jacob Astor IV's body is recovered after the sinking of the Titanic. On his body are a "gold watch and gold pencil." JJA's body and his effects are picked up by his son, Vincent Astor, and the executor of his estate, Nicholas Biddle.
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1912–1959 – John Jacob Astor IV's son, Vincent Astor, inherits the watch and wears it until his death in 1959.
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1959–2007 – Brooke Astor, Vincent Astor's second wife, inherits the watch upon Vincent's death.
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2007–2014 – Brooke Astor's son, Anthony Marshall inherits the watch after her death in 2007.
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2014–2025 – Anthony Marshall's wife, Charlene Marshall, inherits the watch after his death in 2014.
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2025–present – The watch is now owned by the Estate of Charlene Marshall, after her death in 2025.
“As America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s is honored to present these extraordinary artifacts from John Jacob Astor IV during the nation’s 250th anniversary year, objects that connect American history, personal courage, and the tragic story of the Titanic.” - Reginald Brack, Head of Department, Watches
Discover the Titanic’s history, explore iconic artifacts, and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at Freeman’s.
Auction Details
Watches
April 22 | Register to Bid!
Preview Details
Ahead of the April 22 sale, the remarkable Astor watch and pencil will be on view during public previews in New York and Chicago.
New York | 32 East 67th St, New York, NY 10065
April 14–15: 10am–5pm
April 16: 10am–3pm
Chicago | 1550 West Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL 60607
April 20–21: 10am–5pm
Press Details
For press inquiries or media requests, please contact: [email protected]
Property Details
For property inquiries and appointments please reach out to the auction specialist listed below.
Auction Specialists
Reginald Brack
Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Watches
Darren Winston
SVP, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts, Philadelphia