Titanic’s Iconic Floating Wood Piece Sells for Nearly $720,000

The iconic floating piece of wood from the Titanic, famously associated with the survival of Rose, has fetched a staggering $718,750 at auction, sparking debates among fans about its size and capacity to accommodate her love interest, Jack. The panel, part of a door frame, has been the subject of speculation since the release of the 1997 film, with fans questioning whether it could have saved both characters from the icy Atlantic waters.

The auction, which featured props and costumes from various films, including the Indiana Jones series and The Shining, saw intense bidding wars, ultimately raising a total of $15.68 million. Among the notable items sold were the whip from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, fetching $525,000, and a Spider-Man suit worn by Toby Maguire, sold for $125,000. An axe used by Jack Nicholson in The Shining also garnered $125,000, adding to the auction’s success.

The debate over the floating wood piece’s size and its potential to accommodate both Rose and Jack has been ongoing, with director James Cameron addressing it in a 2012 episode of Mythbusters. Despite criticism labelling Rose as “selfish” and Jack as “idiotic,” Cameron reiterated that Jack’s fate was scripted, stating, “The dude’s going down,” putting an end to the speculation. The prop, resembling a door but based on actual debris from the Titanic, measures approximately 8 feet long and 41 inches wide, according to auctioneers Heritage Auctions.

The auction’s success highlights the enduring fascination with iconic film props and costumes, drawing enthusiastic participation from collectors and fans alike. Joseph Maddalena of Heritage Auctions noted the numerous bidding wars throughout the event, underscoring the continued allure of cinematic memorabilia among enthusiasts worldwide.