Launching mallet for ‘Canada’s Titanic’ goes under the hammer in Glasgow

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The launching mallet for a ship dubbed “Canada’s Titanic” has sold at an auction in Glasgow for £13,000. The launching mallet attracted interest from potential buyers across the globe, with a bidder from Canada eventually securing the lot for £13,000 James Bruce, McTear’s specialist The auction house was granted a rare dispensation by the UK Government to sell the ivory mallet due to is huge historical significance following the imposition of a ban on the sale of ivory in 2022. McTear’s specialist, James Bruce, commented: “Due its immense historical significance, the launching mallet and casket attracted interest from potential buyers across the globe, with a bidder from Canada eventually securing the lot for £13,000. “Her demise will live on as one of Canada’s greatest tragedies, with the death toll and manner of sinking leading many to class her as the nation’s very own Titanic.” Commissioned by Canadian Pacific Steamships, the RMS Empress of Ireland was built by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company at Glasgow’s Govan Shipyards.