We've commented before on our blog about the unique allure of collectibles returned from the sea, and of course no greater draw than memorabilia connected with the more famous sinking of all time, RMS Titanic.

Now in their Transportation, Aviation, Maritime, Military & Posters, Philip Weiss Auctions is offering a range of Titanic memorabilia as a key part.

This is a part of the Maritime and Nautical Material section from the Bushnell Estate with Additions including an incredible Titanic archive directly from a family member of John & Nelle Pillsbury Snyder who were rescued when the Titanic sunk.

The Snyder letter on RMS Titanic paper

The archive includes a letter on Titanic stationary dated April 10, 1912, photos of the Snyders, another letter dated April 18th which tells of the confusion from news sources and the White Star Line at the time of the sinking.

"Here we are again both safe and sound" wrote John Snyder to his father, "I can only tell you that I have a mighty fine wife and she is the one you must thank - besides our Lord" and later "We were both asleep when the boat hit.

"... When we reached the top deck only a few people were about and we all were told to go down & put on our life belts"...

Then there is a group of original photos taken from the Carpathia showing lifeboats rowing towards the Carpathia and other original photos of what appears to be the Californian steaming towards the Carpathia.

Also included is a wealth of newspaper clippings, family mementos and Titanic history and collectibles. Philip Weiss's auction takes place tonight (October 21) at 4pm Californian time.

Titanic photo with Millvina Dean autograph (Click for more information)

There are no longer any survivors of the Titanic - a cause for regret for the large number of collectors who specialise in collecting memorabilia from the voyage, keeping its prices high. Millvina Dean was the last to die, having been an infant during the Titanic's only voyage.

She had no memory of the voyage, but it shaped her life both negatively in that her father died in the tragedy and positively, in that there were endless Titanic conventions which she was always being asked to attend.

If you are looking for a connection with the Titanic, you may well be interested in this example of Millvina Dean's autograph which we currently have available.