Rare Piece of Great Lakes Maritime History Sold at $150K Auction in Detroit
A poignant chapter in the saga of one of America's most infamous shipwrecks has come to a close, as a life ring and wooden plank believed to be from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald were sold for a whopping $150,000 at a recent auction in Detroit.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which set sail on November 9, 1975, never returned. The massive ore carrier, then the largest ship ever built for Great Lakes navigation, met its fate when it sank to the bottom of Lake Superior during a violent storm. All 29 crew members perished in the tragedy, leaving behind only a few tantalizing clues about what led to its demise.
Larry Orr's discovery of the life ring and wooden plank on November 18, 1975, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for these artifacts. They were eventually loaned to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan, where they became an integral part of a captivating exhibit that drew countless visitors over the years.
Now, after decades behind glass, these relics have been brought to auction, with DuMouchelles Auctioneer and Art Gallery serving as their custodian. The auction process was made possible by the meticulous documentation detailing the artifacts' history, from their recovery to their preservation at the museum.
For maritime enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, this sale represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Great Lakes shipping lore that few others will ever experience. The two items in question – an orange life ring with white stenciled lettering and a wooden plank from one of the ship's lifeboats – now join a select group of artifacts from famous shipwrecks that are available for public sale.
The sale price, exceeding early estimates by several orders of magnitude, is a testament to the enduring allure of this tragedy. While many may have been skeptical about the authenticity of these items, DuMouchelles' efforts to present them with clear and verifiable documentation undoubtedly contributed to their value.
As we reflect on the Edmund Fitzgerald's 50th anniversary, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving maritime history. The lives lost in this tragedy will forever be etched in our collective consciousness, inspiring continued research and remembrance by those who cherish the Great Lakes' storied past.
A poignant chapter in the saga of one of America's most infamous shipwrecks has come to a close, as a life ring and wooden plank believed to be from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald were sold for a whopping $150,000 at a recent auction in Detroit.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which set sail on November 9, 1975, never returned. The massive ore carrier, then the largest ship ever built for Great Lakes navigation, met its fate when it sank to the bottom of Lake Superior during a violent storm. All 29 crew members perished in the tragedy, leaving behind only a few tantalizing clues about what led to its demise.
Larry Orr's discovery of the life ring and wooden plank on November 18, 1975, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for these artifacts. They were eventually loaned to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan, where they became an integral part of a captivating exhibit that drew countless visitors over the years.
Now, after decades behind glass, these relics have been brought to auction, with DuMouchelles Auctioneer and Art Gallery serving as their custodian. The auction process was made possible by the meticulous documentation detailing the artifacts' history, from their recovery to their preservation at the museum.
For maritime enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, this sale represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Great Lakes shipping lore that few others will ever experience. The two items in question – an orange life ring with white stenciled lettering and a wooden plank from one of the ship's lifeboats – now join a select group of artifacts from famous shipwrecks that are available for public sale.
The sale price, exceeding early estimates by several orders of magnitude, is a testament to the enduring allure of this tragedy. While many may have been skeptical about the authenticity of these items, DuMouchelles' efforts to present them with clear and verifiable documentation undoubtedly contributed to their value.
As we reflect on the Edmund Fitzgerald's 50th anniversary, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving maritime history. The lives lost in this tragedy will forever be etched in our collective consciousness, inspiring continued research and remembrance by those who cherish the Great Lakes' storied past.
! i mean, people r always talkin bout how rich we r in america but stuff like dis puts it into perspectiv. maritime history is 2o many ppl 2 b appreciatd 4 & its great 2 see these relics go 2 new homes where they can b cherished 4 generations 2 come.
anyway, $150k is crazy for just 2 little pieces of wood and a life ring lol what's next gonna sell us our own private island? 
I'm so sad to see these rare pieces of history go... but at the same time, it's awesome that they're going to a good home 
150k is crazy btw 
the fact that they were recovered in '75, like, right after the ship sank, is just crazy. and to see them now, years later, going up against so many other collectors and enthusiasts... it's no wonder they sold for so much $$$$. but you know what really gets me? how these artifacts are gonna end up on some shelf or in some private collection, never being seen again 
. doesn't that just feel like a disservice to the crew of the edmund fitzgerald and all the people who care about this piece of history?!
. And you know what's even crazier? The price actually exceeded early estimates, so I guess some people really want this piece of history 
. It's all about preserving our maritime history and keeping these stories alive for future generations 
.
I mean, it's like a piece of history, you know? The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was such a massive ship, and to think about all those lives lost... it's just so sad 
. The fact that they had all that documentation to back up its history is awesome too - makes you trust the sale even more 
. Can't wait to see where these items end up next 
The fact that these items were meticulously documented and presented to prove their authenticity is what makes this sale so special 
what's next gonna sell for millions, a toilet seat from the titanic? 
anyway, 50 years on and we're still fascinated by the Edmund Fitzgerald - what's crazy is that there are still so many questions about what really happened to that ship...
The fact that it was just chillin' in a museum for 50 years and then became a hot commodity is pretty wild. Guess all those maritime enthusiasts out there are ready to shell out some serious cash for a piece of history... or just someone who likes old stuff with sentimental value 
. But at the same time, can you imagine what it would've been like if they'd still be floating around on Lake Superior? That life ring and plank are probably the only tangible connection we have to those 29 crew members who lost their lives 
I guess it just goes to show how valuable history can be when you've got the story behind it. 
. Maritime enthusiasts are basically getting to live out their Indiana Jones fantasies here 
. But seriously, what's next? A chunk of the Titanic's hull for $500K?