Titanic-artifacts case delayed for appraiser

Posted to: News Norfolk

Previously: Hearing may finally end Titanic battle over artifacts

By Tim McGlone
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 10, 2009

A hearing on the future of the Titanic artifacts has been delayed until Nov. 23 to enable a key witness to testify.

Premier Exhibitions Inc., the parent company of RMS Titanic Inc., has asked the federal court to award it sole title to thousands of artifacts fished from the wreck site at the bottom of the North Atlantic, where the Titanic sank on its 1912 maiden voyage.

Premier, which maintains and exhibits the artifacts, has been under court order not to sell them. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith heard testimony earlier this month about the company's future plans for the treasure.

The company has asked the court for sole title to the artifacts with covenants to preserve them forever, or alternatively, a cash award of the estimated value of the pieces: $110 million.

An appraisal expert who valued the pieces is scheduled to testify on Nov. 23. The judge will issue a ruling in the coming months of her decision.

Tim McGlone, (757) 446-2343, tim.mcglone@pilotonline.com

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