A fragment from a Titanic lifebelt

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A fragment from a Titanic lifebelt
the canvass-covered cork section with a length of torn webbing stitched to the bottom; mounted in a glazed case with a period hand written label glued over the cork section stating A piece of life belt from S.S. "Titanic". Taken from one of the bodies recovered by Cable Ship "Mackay Bennett" and landed at Halifax. N.S., the same written in gold paint beneath the title A RELIC OF THE "TITANIC" 1912 and further inscribed Presented by -- Lieut. G.C. Cleveland, of H.M.S. 'Niobe', Royal Canadian Navy, who afterwards lost his life in The Great Halifax Explosion, the fragment -- 5in. (13cm.) long; the case (restored) -- 13 x 5¾in. (33 x 14.5cm.)

Lot Essay

On 6th December 1917, the munitions ship Mont Blanc collided in clear weather with the Norwegian steamship Imo. The resulting explosion killed about 1,500; injured 8,000; missing 2,000; dwellings destroyed 3,000 and caused $30,000,000 damage

The Navy List for July 1917 noted under the heading ROYAL NAVAL CANADIAN VOLUNTEER RESERVE one George C. Cleveland (act) Seniority 1 July, 15.

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