The renowned floating wooden piece from the Titanic, famously known as the “Titanic door,” has recently been auctioned off for an impressive $718,750 (equivalent to Ksh94,548,500), as reported by the BBC.
Since the debut of the 1997 film “Titanic,” enthusiasts have pondered whether the door panel was large enough to accommodate both Rose and her love interest, Jack, potentially sparing him from the frigid waters.
According to Heritage Auctions, the piece bears a striking resemblance to a significant artifact retrieved from the wreckage of the 1912 maritime disaster. It was presented alongside a plethora of memorabilia from Planet Hollywood.
In the climactic scene of the movie, Rose finds refuge atop the elaborately adorned fragment of a door frame while Jack desperately clings to its edge, grasping her hand. Although a rescue vessel eventually arrives, it is too late for Jack. Promising to “never let go,” Rose releases her grip as Jack succumbs to the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
The auction listing highlighted the ongoing debate among fans surrounding the prop’s size and capacity.
The transaction took place during a live auction of props and costumes owned by the renowned restaurant and resort chain Planet Hollywood. Held at Heritage’s headquarters in Dallas over five days, the event featured multiple auctioneers and was also streamed online.
In the film, the character of Jack, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, asserts that the panel, being part of a door frame, could only accommodate Rose, played by Kate Winslet. Tragically, Jack meets his demise in the freezing waters of the Atlantic, his body sinking into the abyss.
Among the other notable items auctioned were Indiana Jones’ whip from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” fetching $525,000. Additionally, a Spiderman suit worn by Tobey Maguire sold for $125,000, while an axe wielded by Jack Nicholson in “The Shining,” famously used to hack through a bathroom door as he declares “Here’s Johnny!”, also fetched the same amount.
The auction, which concluded on Sunday, March 24, amassed a staggering $15.68 million, marking it as one of the most successful sales of prop and costume collections, according to Heritage Auctions. Joseph Maddalena of Heritage remarked on the numerous bidding wars that ensued, indicating the overwhelming success of the event.
