A small auction house nestled in Devizes, Wiltshire, has established itself as a global leader in the sale of highly sought-after Titanic artefacts. Henry Aldridge & Son has seen items worth tens of millions of pounds pass through its doors, consistently setting world records for major pieces linked to the ill-fated liner, even more than a century after its sinking.
Andrew Aldridge, managing director of the firm, describes the experience of selling these historical objects as extraordinary, noting a deep emotional connection to the individual stories they represent. He believes that the enduring public fascination with the Titanic goes beyond the physical items themselves, rooted instead in the personal narratives of the passengers and crew who were aboard its maiden voyage.
The RMS Titanic sank on 15th April 1912, after striking an iceberg during its journey from Southampton to the US. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,500 people, with around 700 survivors. This maritime disaster remains one of history's most extensively documented and studied events, a fact that David Scott-Beddard, chair of the British Titanic Society, attributes to its continued inclusion in school curricula and the widespread impact of James Cameron's 1997 film, which introduced the story to a new generation.
The Aldridge family's involvement with Titanic memorabilia began in 1990, when Andrew's father, Alan, recognised the potential value of White Star Line dinner menus at a Salvation Army valuation event. These menus, from the Titanic's parent company, sold for £10,000, significantly surpassing the previous record of £2,500. This initial success paved the way for the auction house to become a leading specialist in the field.
With such substantial values attached to these historical items, proving authenticity is paramount. Andrew Aldridge stresses that due diligence and provenance are critical. His team conducts meticulous research, tracing ownership histories and cross-referencing items with historical records and photographs. For example, a fender from Titanic lifeboat 2, which fetched almost £400,000 in an April 2026 sale, was authenticated by matching it to a 1912 photograph taken as the lifeboat was being recovered by the rescue ship, The Carpathia. While fake items do exist, Aldridge states they rarely reach his auction house due to their rigorous verification process.
For Aldridge, the work extends beyond achieving record-breaking sales. He views handling these pieces of history as a significant honour, connecting directly with the human stories behind one of the 20th century's most poignant tragedies.
Source: Henry Aldridge & Son