BEVERLY, Mass. - Kaminski Auctions' May sale, which took place May 30-31, 2009, attracted bidders both locally in Massachusetts and internationally via phone and through the Internet via LiveAuctioneers.com. Day one of this two-day sale featured general fine art, antiques and collectibles, while day two highlighted a diverse selection of maritime antiques and memorabilia. Consignments hailed from estates spanning Massachusetts to Kaminski's second location in California. All prices quoted include a 15% buyer's premium.

A pair of rare 19th-century English silver salt cellars stole the show. Each boasts a figural design with shell, butterfly and salamander accents. The salt cellars are marked Edward and James Barnard, and two accompanying spoons are marked George Angell. Estimated $10,000-$15,000, the duo realized $19,550 after a volley of more than 20 bids.
Nautical highlights included a signed and dated painting by artist T.H. Hotchkiss (American 1834-1869). This unusual work, which features an arched top in a matching carved giltwood frame, measures 13.25 by 10.125 inches and is dated 1859. A Hudson River School painter, Hotchkiss completed this painting just one year before he immigrated to Italy. The picture soared above its presale estimate of $5,000-$8,000, realizing a final price of $10,350.

History buffs and maritime aficionados swooned over a cased model of the U.S.S. Constitution. The intricately detailed model includes an anchor, bowsprit, masts, boom, kegs and hatches, to name just a few features. Mounted in a wood framed case with a custom table stand, this faithfully executed replica fetched a final price of $2,875.

A selection of rare medallions also proved to be crowd-pleasers. A $3,100 circa 1831 British gold medallion of William IV more than doubled its high estimate at $3,100. A circa 1897 gold Victoria Jubilee medallion realized $3,450. A French circa-1855 gold medallion of Napoleon III led the category, bringing $5,750.

"Prices realized were strong across a spectrum of fine art, decorative arts, furniture and collectibles. Many great pieces came in through our Tuesday free appraisal days," commented Frank Kaminski, owner of Kaminski Auctions. "Once again, our annual nautical auction proved to be quite popular with maritime collectors both from New England and across the country. Bidders were eager to take home their very own piece of this region's rich maritime history."

View the catalog for this sale, with prices realized at this link: LiveAuctioneers.com.