AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE THIRD CLASS TITANIC PROMOTIONAL BROCHURE

a multi-page oblong format promotional brochure, both colour-printed covers featuring an 'Olympic' class liner steaming into New York and passing the Statue of Liberty, the text highlighting “The Largest Steamers in the World” and with the tag line “Third Class Accommodation”, title page with brief details of the two liners followed by five colour plates of A Third Class Dining Room, The Third Class General Room, A Third Class Two-Berth Cabin, The Third Class Smoke Room and A Third Class Four-Berth Cabin interspersed with seven black and white photographic plates showing various aspects of the building and launching of the Olympic, most with explanatory notes, 4 x 6in. (10 x 15cm.)

A remarkable survival of the highest rarity, this example the only one so far traced in commerce, and no others found in U.K. museum collections (including the two Titanic repositories in Belfast)

The story of the creation and subsequent loss of R.M.S. Titanic is too well-known to require repeating here. However, it should not be forgotten or overlooked that Titanic and her sister Olympic were never built to challenge for the ‘Blue Riband’ of the North Atlantic. The White Star Line was well aware that their new ships could never match – let alone exceed – the speeds of Cunard’s turbine-powered Lusitania and Mauritania, so decided upon sheer luxury instead. Outclassing the Cunarders’ appointments in every respect, the accommodation and public rooms for all three classes of passengers were far superior to anything seen before in any previous steamers. Although the precise purpose of these brochures (see following lot also) is unconfirmed, it would seem highly likely that they were produced for ships’ ticket agencies and perhaps the few specialist travel agencies then existing. Whatever the actual purpose, however, the Third Class brochure offered here is the only known example and a significant recent discovery.

Condition Report

minor soiling but otherwise very good condition

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.