A piece of timber purportedly utilized as a makeshift life raft by the characters Jack and Rose in the renowned Titanic film is currently up for sale, fetching a substantial sum of £31,000. This movie prop gained fame through its pivotal role in the final scenes of the 1997 blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Crafted from balsa wood, the item boasts intricate floral decorations and elegantly curved contours. Affixed to its rear surface is a plaque serving as validation of its authenticity, bearing inscriptions identifying its association with the film production.
The plaque details the involvement of DiCaprio and Winslet as well as the studios involved in the movie’s creation, Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount Pictures, alongside the year of production, 1997. Additionally, it highlights the specific scene in which the plank was utilized, depicting the characters’ names and their roles as Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater, respectively.
This floating panel, an essential component of the sinking sequence, was utilized to depict Jack’s valiant effort to rescue Rose, underscoring its significance in the narrative.
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Although artificially aged and distressed for its role as a film prop, it draws inspiration from a renowned piece of wreckage salvaged from the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912, as noted by Heritage auctions, the entity responsible for facilitating its sale.
The auction listing addresses a common misconception surrounding the timber, noting that it’s frequently mistaken as a door, while Heritage auctioneers in Dallas, Texas, firmly assert its origin as a segment of the door frame situated above the entrance to the first-class lounge.
Debate has arisen regarding the plank’s dimensions, with some movie enthusiasts contending that both characters could have feasibly occupied the space atop the doorframe. However, in the cinematic depiction, DiCaprio’s character valiantly sacrifices himself to save his beloved, succumbing to the frigid waters.
The starting bid for the prop stands at a considerable $40,000 (£31,671), though its final sale price remains uncertain. Interested buyers have until March 23rd to participate in the online auction. Described as an original hero flotation prop, the balsa wood creation features intricate floral designs and swirling curves reminiscent of rococo architecture.
Drawing inspiration from a renowned artifact salvaged from the Titanic tragedy of 1912, the prop bears striking resemblance to a Louis XV-style panel housed in Nova Scotia’s Maritime Museum. Director James Cameron’s visits to the museum during research for the film inspired the creation of this prop to stage the characters’ poignant final moments.
Researchers speculate that the original oak panel corresponds to the precise area where the ship split in two, with the panel possibly surfacing as the vessel sank into the North Atlantic Ocean. In addition to this iconic prop, other artifacts from the film are also available for auction.
The “Swim Dress” worn by Kate Winslet’s character, Rose DeWitt Bukater, is poised to fetch a minimum of $20,000 (£15,838) at auction.
This iconic chiffon gown graced the climactic final scenes of the film, adding to its significance for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Another notable item on the auction block is an original prop of the Titanic’s ship wheel, crafted from wood and brass, also commanding a starting price of $20,000 (£15,838).
Additionally, a trio of Carpathia life rings, featuring hard foam rubber props adorned with canvas strap accents, are available for bidding. Anticipated to fetch over $500 (£395.90), these artifacts offer enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of cinematic history.
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