THE fascination with a maritime tragedy that happened more than 90 years ago shows few signs of ending.

The latest flurry of interest will be in Chilworth today when thousands of pounds are expected to be paid out when rare items connected with Titanic come up for auction.

The auction will be one of a number of events held at the Hilton Hotel as part of the British Titanic Society's annual convention.

The star item up for auction is an embroidered hat ribbon given as a souvenir to a young passenger by his adoptive father.

The hatband was the only thing that eight-year-old Marshall Brines Drew was able to take with him as he was lowered into Lifeboat Ten. Marshall's adoptive father died but he and his mother survived.

The hatband was found after Marshall's death in 1986 aged 82.

Andrew Aldridge, of auctioneer Henry Aldridge and Son, which is conducting the auction, said: "Something this rare doesn't come on to the market often. We have valued it at around £25,000, but it could break all records."

Also up for auction is a section of Titanic's famous Grand Staircase, which is expected to fetch up to £22,000.

The foot-long piece of oak made up part of the handrail of the staircase that epitomised the luxury of the vessel. The piece of wood has intricate flower and ribbon carvings.

A typed sworn affidavit confirming that Morris Rothschild was a nephew of Mr and Mrs Isidor Straus is expected to sell for £23,000.

The affidavit is dated April 23, 1912 and is on headed note paper of R H Macy and Co, New York. It reads: 'To whom it may concern the bearer of this letter Mr Morris Rothschild is a nephew of Mr & Mrs Isidor Straus. He is authorised by their children to take possession of their remains and convey them to New York. Any assistance given to Mr Rothschild will be very much appreciated'.

Andrew added: "We also have a booklet of 12 postcards which is the only known postcard booklet to have actually be purchased aboard Titanic. It was bought for 6d in 1912 and is expected to sell for around £10,000."

Another of the star lots is a 2.5in synthetic ivory oval berth number plaque, which is anticipated to reach £14,000.

This item was recovered by James Adams, the first mate of the salvage ship Minia, which arrived on the scene days after the sinking.

More than 1,500 people died after Titanic struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in April 15, 1912.

Last year's auction saw a gold watch that stopped the moment the liner slipped beneath the waves fetch £18,000. Even more amazing was the £24,000 paid by an anonymous collector for a broken dinner menu dating from April 10, 1912 - the day the vessel set sail from Southampton's Ocean Dock.

Hundreds of enthusiasts from around the globe are expected to attend the convention.

- Originally published April 2003.