English violinist (1878–1912) best remembered as the courageous bandleader who, along with his seven other band members, played on as the Titanic sank. Very elegant Christmas card, 5.75 x 3, with foliate cut borders and a floral front highlighted with glitter and printed with “Remembrance,” on the front. Inside bears a pre-printed sentiment that reads, “There’s gladness in remembrance” “With all good wishes for a happy Christmas From,” and signed in black ink, “Wallace H. Hartley.” Reverse of the card is affixed to a 6.25 x 8 off-white album page, with a collector’s notation under the card which reads, “Band-Master on the Titanic—Who played ‘Nearer My God To Thee’ as the ship went down.” Page is still housed in its original hardcover autograph album, which mainly contains poetry, artwork, and cartoons done by convalescing First World War soldiers. In fine condition, with some mild foxing and stray pencil marks to front of card and a couple trivial spots of toning to inside of card.
Wallace Henry Hartley was born in Colne, Lancashire in 1878, and was 33 years old when he embarked on Titanic’s maiden voyage. Band members on Titanic were listed as Second Class passengers. At that time, musicians on White Star Line ships were supplied through the music agents C.W. & F.N. Black of Liverpool. Many credit Hartley and the members of his band for maintaining calm and order on the ship which allowed the lifeboats to be filled and lowered in an orderly fashion. Hartley will always be remembered for playing to the end and, thus, sacrificing himself for the welfare of others.
