From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982. With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married. While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training. With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled. His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after. The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither presented and offered up to auctions from Lot-140 through Lot-153, continued from Lot-268 through Lot-324, continued from Lot-415 through Lot-429, and Lot-439.
Qing Dynasty Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze and stones inlaid Buddha figure of Maitreya is in the appearance of a bodhisattva in the Tushita Heaven. As the nature of all Buddha, seated Maitreya, with resplendent, smiling, peaceful serene face, naturally painted Athe eyes and lips, radiant amidst intricate ornate headdress, elongated ears with floral earrings in relaxed in posture. Adorned with many attractive silks and red-coral inlaid jewels. Both hands raised on chest level, holding entwined lotus ornate wrapped the arms terminated to the everted ends on the shoulders. The ornamentation and jewelry are repetitive but not boring. The lotus base of the sculpture is unique with three rings at the bottom and the double lotus above which gives extra height to the figure. Two beautiful feet seated in full lotus posture upon double lotus crown pedestal. The Buddha figure characterized with ornate red-coral beads inlaid mounted upon jewelries. The underside with incised Quatre foil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi.