• The Clipper Ship Era and The Colonial Clippers: These two books, The Clipper Ship Era by Arthur Clark (1910) and The Colonial Clippers by Basil Lubbock (1921), dive into the history of the mighty clipper ships that once ruled the ocean trade. Among the most legendary of these were the clippers of the White Star Line. Originally founded by Pilkington & Wilson as a packet company serving the American trade, White Star quickly rose to prominence during the Australian immigration boom sparked by the gold rush of the 1850s, becoming one of the dominant shipping companies of the era.
• Replica White Star Line Flag: This faithfully replicated flag honors the iconic red 'swallow tail' design that first flew aboard the original White Star clipper ship Iowa in 1849. Said to have been created by James Chambers, the cashier of White Star’s original owners Pilkington & Wilson, the design features a distinctive five-rayed star. Legend has it that Chambers crafted the star by drawing a circle around a penny, dividing the circumference into five equal parts, and connecting alternate points. The result was a sharp contrast to the solid black dot of the rival Black Ball Line, making the White Star flag instantly recognizable.
• White Star Line Uniform Button: In 1868, Thomas Ismay acquired the White Star Line, and through its partnership with renowned shipbuilders Harland & Wolff, quickly rose as a major force on the trans-Atlantic. Their ships, all ending with the distinctive ‘ic’ suffix, were known for their luxury and innovative design. This uniform button design, introduced around the turn of the century, is the same design that would have been worn by Titanic’s crew.
• The Strand Magazine: This 1893 edition of The Strand Magazine includes a detailed article on the visit of German Kaiser Wilhelm II to the White Star liner Teutonic on August 4, 1889. During the visit, the Kaiser famously remarked, “We must have some of these,” widely interpreted as his admiration for the Teutonic as Germany would begin constructing its own fleet of the world’s largest, fastest, and most luxurious ships—challenging Britain’s dominance in the transatlantic market.
• London Letters: In London Letters, author Smalley recounts his experience attending the visit of German Kaiser Wilhelm II to the White Star liner Teutonic on August 4th, 1889, during the diamond jubilee. Smalley provides an insightful account of the day, noting the Kaiser's famous remark, “We must have some of these.” While many have interpreted the comment as admiration for the Teutonic itself, the Kaiser was more likely referring to the powerful war guns mounted on the ship’s deck.
• Scientific American Supplement, February 7, 1891: This Scientific American Supplement offers an in-depth and detailed examination of the White Star Line’s flagship Teutonic.
• The Biggest Steamship Afloat: This excerpt from a period magazine provides a detailed look at the 1899 White Star Line flagship Oceanic, hailed as the largest steamship afloat at the time. It would be the last ship Thomas Ismay was involved with before he passed away and the company was taken over by his son Bruce Ismay.
• The Engineer 1 Vol. 109, 1910: This volume of The Engineer includes a striking image of Titanic’s stern frame as it stood on February 9, 1910, while also featuring an extensive supplement chronicling the history of the White Star Line.
• S.S. Olympic Postcard: This period postcard features an artist’s rendering of the Olympic. Some versions of this postcard features the name Titanic written in place of Olympic
• White Star Line Adverts: These advertisements, circa 1903, were created by the White Star Line to fit inside small tins, typically cigarette or 'matchsafe' tins, offering a clever way for the company to keep its brand in the public eye while travelers carried these practical items with them.
• White Star Line Baggage Labels: Labels were used by the White Star Line to help passengers easily identify and claim their luggage before boarding and after disembarking. Each label featured a letter corresponding to the passenger’s surname, with luggage organized by letter. For items kept in the passenger's cabins or staterooms; labels marked such were used. Though access was not always guaranteed, baggage that wanted to be accessed during the voyage but stored outside the room, was labeled "Wanted" or "Baggage Room.” Items not needed during the journey were marked "Hold" or "Not Wanted" and stored in the ship’s hold.
• Bill of Lading: White Star Line was not just a company of luxurious passenger ships; a significant portion of its profit came from cargo and freight services. This Bill of Lading, dated November 14, 1921, is from the White Star vessel Cretic. It serves as a reminder that White Star’s reach extended beyond luxury travel, playing a vital part in international trade and commerce during its time.
• S.S. Cretic Postcard: This postcard features the White Star liner Cretic, the same vessel mentioned in the previous Bill of Lading.
• White Star Line Advertisements: These two advertisements featured in two separate 1933 editions of The National Geographic Magazine (Vol. LXIV Nos. 4 & 5) shows the period stylistic approach the company took in advertising to travelers.
• Cunard-White Star Uniform Button: In 1934, facing financial challenges, the White Star Line merged with its rival, the Cunard Line, to create the Cunard-White Star Line. This uniform button is a representation of that partnership, which lasted until the end of 1949, when Cunard fully acquired White Star and reverted the company's name to Cunard.
• Cunard-White Star Ledger Paper: This ledger paper, embossed with the Cunard-White Star logo, was provided in passengers’ cabins during the period when the two companies operated under their merged name.