Passion for the Titanic: Collector’s Unwavering Dedication
Tony Probst, a 64-year-old collector from the Bay Area of California, has dedicated his life to preserving the history of the Titanic. Since the mid-1990s, he has amassed a vast collection of artifacts from the ill-fated ship’s maiden voyage in 1912, including a lifeboat plaque, china, sheet music, and personal documents.
“I believe I’m the only person on planet Earth who has every piece of paper for one individual to get on board Titanic,” Mr. Probst proudly stated. His collection has been displayed at various prestigious venues, including the National Geographic Museum in Washington and the Titanic museums in Branson, Mo., and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Mr. Probst’s enthusiasm for the Titanic places him in a unique position between collector and historian, as he seeks out memorabilia to preserve the stories of the victims and survivors. His dedication to the ship’s history has led him to keep a close eye on auctions, such as the upcoming auction at Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd in southwest England.
The auction will feature over 250 items, including a black-and-white photograph of an iceberg taken after the disaster and the violin case of the bandleader Wallace Hartley, expected to fetch up to $150,000. Mr. Probst, who views his collection as a “retirement account,” plans to continue collecting and leasing items to museums.
The Titanic-collecting community is small but passionate, with collectors having their own niches and motivations. Competition for rare artifacts can be fierce, but most collectors are generous enough to allow their pieces to be displayed for the public.
As the Titanic story continues to captivate audiences over a century later, collectors like Mr. Probst and organizations like the British Titanic Society and Titanic International Society hope to pass on their artifacts to future generations. The history of the Titanic, with its built-in drama and enduring fascination, shows no signs of fading away anytime soon.
