Incredible reprint of probably the last letter written by Wallace Hartley, in his own hand, on board Titanic, April 10, 1912:
Wallace Hartley, English violinist (1878–1912) best remembered as the courageous bandleader who, along with his seven other band members, played on as the Titanic sank. This letter signed “Wallace,” two pages on adjoining sheets of White Star Line watermarked stationery (the most desirable of the known on-board watermarks), 10 x 8, dated in Hartley’s hand, “Wednesday” on R.M.S. ‘Titanic’ letterhead, featuring a red embossed flag. On Wednesday, April 10, 1912, the hopeful bandleader writes his parents during his first day on the ill-fated ship that would sink just days later.
In full: “Just a line to say we have got away all right. It’s been a bit of a rush but I am just getting a little settled. This is a fine ship & there ought to be plenty of money on her. I’ve missed coming home very much & it would have been nice to have seen you all if only for an hour or two, but I couldn’t manage it. We have a fine band & the boys seem very nice. I have had to buy some linen & I sent my washing home today by post. I shall probably arrive home on the Sunday morning. We are due here on the Saturday. I’m glad mother’s foot is better.”
Just four days after penning this letter, Hartley and his crew would become heroes in their own right as “the band played on,” serenading the passengers as they assembled in the First Class Lounge, waiting to board lifeboats, and relocating when the passengers were ushered to the Boat Deck, assembling near the Grand Staircase. The men continued their orchestral vigil until the Titanic succumbed to the overwhelming force of the Atlantic, watching and playing as over 700 men, women, and children passed by them to safety.
A contemporary newspaper described "the part played by the orchestra…in her last dreadful moments will rank among the noblest of heroism at sea."
This letter is a truly magnificent piece of Titanic history, and is the only known letter sent by Hartley with a direct mention of his band.
Sold for $185,968.80 in April 2012
Text and photos: RRAuction COA.
Your replica print measues 8.5 x 12 inches - 2 pages, printed on 65LB archival card stock.
The White Star Supply Co watermark will not appear on your prints.
I ship via USPS with Tracking.
Your replicas are carefully and securely packaged for a safe delivery!
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