At the outset, Hem expressed mild concern about the inclement weather, but DeLuca seemed to be enjoying it. The crowd looked more like a bunch of bundled up New Englanders than Californians. The weather may have made for a few empty seats at 10 a.m., but to his credit, Hem started the sale right on time. The cold rain seemed to chill the bidding spirit of the gallery, and most of the early lots went to the book. Those bearing fists, fretwork, inlays, and unusual designs now routinely command several hundred dollars each.
Marine art is usually top dog at any maritime sale.
Not so at this sale, where quality art was conspicuous in its absence. Library globes are highly sought after, and in the American market Loring globes are especially dear. This sale contained a matched pair, terrestrial and celestial, both signed Josiah Loring, Boston, and in their original equatorial stands. Each had obvious repairs and was so cataloged. Maritime Auctions continues to command strong prices for diving helmets and related hard-hat diving gear.