Auctioned: Violin heard in despairing 'Titanic' movie moment, priced at £60,000
In a thrilling turn of events for movie memorabilia enthusiasts, the violin used in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic is set to be auctioned off. The violin, which played a poignant role in the sinking scene, will be auctioned by Andrew Aldridge on 9th April 2025.
The violin, made by Nigel Harris, was previously owned by actor Jonathan Evans-Jones, who portrayed Wallace Hartley, the bandmaster on the Titanic, in the film. Evans-Jones sold the violin in 2013 for a staggering £900,000. However, it's important to note that this violin is not the one played by Wallace Hartley during the actual Titanic sinking in 1912. That violin was sold for £1.1 million in the same year.
The violin in the film played a significant role, most notably during the scene where the Titanic ship is sinking. The characters, including Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, witnessed a rush of water heading towards them after the line "Gentleman, it has been a privilege playing with you tonight" was spoken, with the violin providing a haunting backdrop to the tragic scene.
Interestingly, the hymn Nearer My God To Thee, which was played during the sinking scene, was not played on the violin used in the film. Instead, it was played on the original violin during the Titanic sinking.
The upcoming auction of the violin from the Titanic movie is part of a major auction by Heritage Auctions, featuring iconic props and costumes from the film. While the exact selling price for the violin at the auction is not yet known, it is expected to fetch around £60,000.
The violin, being a cross-collectible, appeals to both Titanic and movie memorabilia collectors. As a piece of movie history, it offers a unique connection to one of the highest grossing movies of all time.
For those interested in bidding for this historic piece, the auction will take place on 9th April 2025. The auctioneer, Andrew Aldridge, who sold the violin in 2013, is once again offering this iconic item for sale. This promises to be an exciting event for collectors and Titanic fans alike.
[1] Source: Heritage Auctions press release, June 2025.
The upcoming auction of the violin from the Titanic movie is not only a significant event for movie memorabilia collectors, but also for entertainment enthusiasts who appreciate the cinema's historic and cultural impact. Furthermore, as the auction also includes music-related items like props and costumes from the film, it appeals to music aficionados as well.
