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‘Titanic’ Door Fetches Over $718,000 at Auction, Among the World’s Priciest Doors

titanic-door-sale
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The auction of a door (the door) from ‘Titanic’, (famed for igniting hot discussions about the fate of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack Dawson) brought in $718,750, spotlighting its historical and cinematic value.

This sale surpasses iconic memorabilia from films like Indiana Jones and The Shining. Crafted as a replica of a piece from the tragic 1912 sinking, the door stands out even amidst other Titanic memorabilia and luxury items auctioned.

Opening the Door to Opulence

This sale invites comparisons with some of the world’s most lavishly priced doors, showcasing a blend of art, history, and luxury. The Gioconda Shine Door, adorned with 31,707 Swarovski crystals and mimicking the Mona Lisa, costs an estimated $34,900. While not auctioned, its craftsmanship and the use of luxurious materials place it among the extravagant.

The World’s Most Expensive Door?

The Titanic door might not be the most expensive. The Ueno Toshogu Shrine Door in Tokyo, with its historical legacy dating

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Door
Ueno Toshogu Shrine Door

back to 1651, and the opulent doors of the King of Morocco’s Palace, which highlight Moroccan artistry through brass, cedar, and zellige decorations, are examples of doors that carry significant cultural and artistic value. Meanwhile, the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago boasts Tiffany-designed bronze peacock doors valued at over a million dollars, symbolizing the blend of art and architectural grandeur.

Morocco’s Palace Door
Morocco’s Palace Door

Not to be overlooked is the Selfridges art deco lift doors, with their intricate bronze and iron panels depicting the zodiac signs, exemplifying the opulent design of the early 20th century. These doors, now part of the Museum of London, reflect a historic transition in technology and design aesthetics.

 

Keep in mind, not all sale prices of pricey doors are public. Some of the examples above provide value estimates only, not sales prices. This makes the market difficult to compare, and the sale of the Titanic door unique.

The auction of the ‘Titanic’ door frame, therefore, does more than just fetch a remarkable price; it underscores the diverse ways in which doors serve as gateways to stories of luxury, history, and imagination.

From cinematic memorabilia outperforming items from Indiana Jones and The Shining to doors that encapsulate art deco elegance or the luxury of ecological leather and Swarovski crystals, these are not merely entryways but artifacts that hold stories and values beyond their function.

The Last Word (Maybe)

As an aside, and to settle the debate once and for all- Kate Winslet said in a 2022 podcast appearance on Happy Sad Confused, “I have to be honest: I actually don’t believe that we would have survived if we had both gotten on that door. I think he would have fit, but it would have tipped and it would not have been a sustainable idea. Yes, he could have fit on that door, but it would not have stayed afloat. It wouldn’t.”

But that’s a convenient story, isn’t it?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellen Rogers

Ellen Rogers has been involved with the glass industry for nearly 20 years and is the editor of USGlass magazine and Architect’s Guide to Glass magazine. Ellen received a degree from Peace College where she studied journalism. Ellen enjoys running and competes regularly in races including half and full marathons. When not on the go, Ellen enjoys reading, wine tasting, true crime shows, and family game nights with her husband and son. Their favorite game is Clue. Ellen also bakes what is known locally as “World Famous Oatmeal Cookies.” Find out more about Ellen on Linkedin.

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