Inscribed Shipyard Rivet Punch

 

Inscribed shipyard rivet punch commemorating the loss of Titanic.

Titanic's sinking had a traumatic impact on people at home and abroad.  The impossible had happened and the most technologically advanced ship of its time was now lying at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The loss of the great liner on her maiden voyage was an enormous blow to the self confidence of the Edwardian age.  Almost 1500 people - passengers and crew - had gone down with her.  There was wide-spread public grieving and quick-witted entrepreneurs, spotting a business opportunity, flooded this hungry market with Titanic ornaments and souvenirs. 

This was the beginning of the modern Titanic industry.