Col. John Jacob Astor's Pencil
Description
This rare gold collapsible "plumb bob" style pencil was crafted by the prestigious Walter Thornhill & Co. of London. Made from solid 18k gold and engraved with unique markings, it exemplifies the luxury and craftsmanship befitting one of the wealthiest men of the early 20th century. The pencil was recovered from the body of Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, following his death in the RMS Titanic disaster, as cataloged by the crew of the cable steamer Mackay-Bennett. The pencil was listed among his personal effects, along with other valuable items such as a gold watch and diamond cufflinks.
Following Astor’s death, the pencil passed through the Astor family estate, first to his son Vincent, then to Astor's first wife, Ava Lowle Willing. It was later bequeathed to Astor's eldest surviving grandson, Prince Ivan Obolensky. With its strong historical provenance and association with one of the most iconic tragedies of the 20th century, this pencil serves as a poignant relic of Astor’s legacy and the fateful voyage of the Titanic.
Following Astor’s death, the pencil passed through the Astor family estate, first to his son Vincent, then to Astor's first wife, Ava Lowle Willing. It was later bequeathed to Astor's eldest surviving grandson, Prince Ivan Obolensky. With its strong historical provenance and association with one of the most iconic tragedies of the 20th century, this pencil serves as a poignant relic of Astor’s legacy and the fateful voyage of the Titanic.
Creator
Walter Thornhill & Co., London
Medium
18k gold
Provenance
Col. John Jacob Astor IV
Vincent Astor
Ava Lowle Willing (Baroness Ribblesdale)
Prince Ivan Obolensky
Vincent Astor
Ava Lowle Willing (Baroness Ribblesdale)
Prince Ivan Obolensky
Citation
Walter Thornhill & Co., London, “Col. John Jacob Astor's Pencil,” TitanicRelics.com | A Collection of Authentic Titanic Artifacts and Memorabilia, accessed April 18, 2025, http://titanicrelics.com/items/show/57.