Detroit Auction Shatters Expectations, Fetches $150K for SS Edmund Fitzgerald Life Ring and Plank
A rare piece of Great Lakes maritime history has returned to the spotlight in Detroit, where a life ring and wooden plank believed to be from the infamous SS Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck were sold at auction for a staggering $150,000. The artifacts, on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades, drew attention from collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, one of America's most legendary shipwrecks, met its fate on November 10, 1975, in the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. The massive ore carrier, built in the mid-1950s, was carrying a cargo of taconite pellets from Minnesota to steel mills in Detroit when it succumbed to the fury of a storm, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members.
The life ring and wooden plank were discovered by Larry Orr shortly after the ship sank on November 18, 1975. The items have since become an integral part of Great Lakes maritime history, offering a tangible link to this tragic event. Their display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades has sparked immense interest among historians and enthusiasts.
The auction, held at DuMouchelles Auctioneer and Art Gallery in downtown Detroit on December 19, saw bidders go head-to-head for these priceless artifacts. The life ring, featuring white-stenciled lettering reading "S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald," was accompanied by a wooden plank believed to be from one of the ship's lifeboats.
The final sale price exceeded early estimates by a significant margin, with the total reaching $150,000. This extraordinary outcome can be attributed in part to the meticulous documentation provided by DuMouchelles Auctioneer and Art Gallery regarding the artifacts' discovery and preservation history.
Maritime historians and enthusiasts alike have expressed their excitement at the availability of these highly sought-after artifacts for public sale. The rarity of life rings from famous shipwrecks like the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is indeed remarkable, making this auction a significant milestone in Great Lakes maritime history preservation.
The fiftieth anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking has also brought renewed attention to the tragedy. Memorial services and commemorations were recently held across the Great Lakes region, including at Mariners' Church in Detroit. As communities continue to gather to honor the mariners who lost their lives, these artifacts will undoubtedly serve as a poignant reminder of this tragic event.
The auction serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew, whose story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
A rare piece of Great Lakes maritime history has returned to the spotlight in Detroit, where a life ring and wooden plank believed to be from the infamous SS Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck were sold at auction for a staggering $150,000. The artifacts, on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades, drew attention from collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, one of America's most legendary shipwrecks, met its fate on November 10, 1975, in the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. The massive ore carrier, built in the mid-1950s, was carrying a cargo of taconite pellets from Minnesota to steel mills in Detroit when it succumbed to the fury of a storm, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members.
The life ring and wooden plank were discovered by Larry Orr shortly after the ship sank on November 18, 1975. The items have since become an integral part of Great Lakes maritime history, offering a tangible link to this tragic event. Their display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades has sparked immense interest among historians and enthusiasts.
The auction, held at DuMouchelles Auctioneer and Art Gallery in downtown Detroit on December 19, saw bidders go head-to-head for these priceless artifacts. The life ring, featuring white-stenciled lettering reading "S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald," was accompanied by a wooden plank believed to be from one of the ship's lifeboats.
The final sale price exceeded early estimates by a significant margin, with the total reaching $150,000. This extraordinary outcome can be attributed in part to the meticulous documentation provided by DuMouchelles Auctioneer and Art Gallery regarding the artifacts' discovery and preservation history.
Maritime historians and enthusiasts alike have expressed their excitement at the availability of these highly sought-after artifacts for public sale. The rarity of life rings from famous shipwrecks like the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is indeed remarkable, making this auction a significant milestone in Great Lakes maritime history preservation.
The fiftieth anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking has also brought renewed attention to the tragedy. Memorial services and commemorations were recently held across the Great Lakes region, including at Mariners' Church in Detroit. As communities continue to gather to honor the mariners who lost their lives, these artifacts will undoubtedly serve as a poignant reminder of this tragic event.
The auction serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew, whose story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
! I mean, can you even believe that stuff was sold for $150k? That's insane! It's amazing how much history and significance those artifacts still hold after all these years 
. As a tech geek, I gotta say though, I'd love to see some of the tech from back then recreated or updated – I mean, those life rings are basically just metal hoops with some letters on them 
. But seriously, it's awesome that people are so passionate about preserving history like this. I'm definitely gonna have to check out the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum now 
$150k is insane! I mean, I knew they were rare and all that jazz but wow. It's crazy to think about how much people would pay for a piece of history like that. I've been reading about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and it's such a tragic story. 29 lives lost is just heartbreaking 
. I love that the auction was held at a museum in Detroit, too - it makes sense that they'd want to keep those artifacts close to home. Now I'm curious to see what else comes up for sale next...
The fact that these artifacts have been on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades and now are up for sale is just crazy 
. It's like we're living in a movie or something! 
And to think it all started with Larry Orr finding those items back in 1975... what an incredible story 
. I'm so glad these artifacts will be able to bring more attention and memories to the crew who lost their lives 
.
. I mean, I get it, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is like a legendary shipwreck and all, but $150K? That's crazy! 
. And can you imagine being one of those collectors who got lucky enough to snag one of these rare pieces? Talk about bragging rights 
. On the other hand, I do wonder what would happen if this stuff ended up in the wrong hands – would it just get lost or forgotten forever? 
Guess that's a risk you take when dealing with valuable historical artifacts 
️.
. Glad some collector got to take it home, even if it is gonna be locked up in a safe somewhere 
that those SS Edmund Fitzgerald life ring & plank sold 4 $150k!!! Can u imagine how much it must've cost 2 restore them 2 such perfection? 
It's just sad that it took 4 $150k 2 happen tho 
Those life rings and wooden planks have seen so much and been through so much... It's like they're still carrying the weight of those 29 lives lost on their surface. 
The fact that these historic artifacts ended up fetching $150k is like, really telling 
50 yrs since the ship sank is a big deal and i love how auctioneer & art gallery made sure to share all the deets about its history 
.
but i guess if it's from a legendary shipwreck like that its def worth somethin! the fact that its been collectin artifacts 4 decades shows how dedicated fans r. also, why didnt they auction off more items? u feel? would've been sick to see more SS Edmund Fitzgerald stuff go up 4 sale 
. It's not that rare or special, if you ask me. Anyone can find stuff like that in a garage sale or on eBay for half that price. And what's with all the hype? It's just an old life ring and a plank! 
.