Description:

(TITANIC CREW) CAPTAIN EDWARD J. SMITH
(1850 - 1912) Captain of the R.M.S. TITANIC who was lost in the sinking of the vessel. Smith was an English naval reserve officer who later entered the service of the White Star Line and quickly rose through its ranks. In 1904, Smith became the commodore of the White Star Line and was responsible for controlling its flagships. In 1912, he was the captain of the maiden voyage of the TITANIC and was last seen on the bridge of the vessel as it went down. Exceedingly rare partly-printed D.S. "Edwd J. Smith," 1p. 7 3/4" x 6", May 5, 1893, a Board of Trade "Certificate of Discharge" issued to Second Mate T. G. Raddish, a sailor who had completed his service aboard the R.M.S. BRITANNIC. The document shows that the 29 year-old crewman served in North Atlantic service from April 10 to May 5, 1893 and was discharged in Liverpool. Printed near the bottom is a certification: "I certify that the above particulars are correct and that the above named Seaman was discharged accordingly, and that the character described hereon is a true copy of the Report concerning the said Seaman." which is signed by Smith as the vessel's master, and countersigned by another official. The discharge also bears two "V.G." stamps in areas for Raddish's conduct and ability. Some toning along left edge from adhesive, otherwise fine condition. Smith joined the White Star Line in 1880 and assumed command of the BRITANNIC, a post he held until May of 1893 when he left to briefly command the ADRIATIC. Signed as the future TITANIC captain was a rising star among the fleet's officers.

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July 9, 2015 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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