Unpublished photographs of Titanic to be auctioned

A series of unpublished photographs of the launch of the Titanic are to gounder the hammer.

The photographs were taken by a local businessman at the world famous liner's launch in Belfast on May 31 1911 and are being sold via direct descent having been in the family since that date.

The set of six three-and-a-quarter inch by four-and-a-half inch glass platepositives will be sold by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, onSaturday alongside other Titanic memorabilia.

The Titanic sank on April 14 1912 during its maiden voyage to New York from Southampton, claiming the lives of around 1,500 people.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said: "They show the hull and launch platform in great detail prior to launch and then during and after the ceremony.

"From a social historical standpoint numerous bystanders can be seen, all of whom would have needed a ticket to attend.

"The sixth glass plate shows the Olympic next to the 150-tonne crane decorated with flags prior to her maiden voyage."

The set of pictures is estimated to sell for between £5,000 to £8,000.