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All 336 objects in the Hirshhorn's Special Collections have been transferred to African Art, the Sackler Gallery, and Natural History's Anthropology Department in accordance with procedures approved by the Regents. Some 379 Special Collections from the Hirshhorn bequest have arrived and distribution of those items within the Smithsonian will take place in fiscal year 1986.

The Museum of American Art is the only museum during fiscal year 1985 to dispose of collection objects through sale. This step was taken only after all Smithsonian museums (and the National Gallery of Art) had the opportunity to consider the objects (primarily non-American) for their own collections. Of 81 works of art, two were transferred to the National Portrait Gallery and 79 works were placed with Christie's for sale by auction. In fiscal year 1985, 49 works were sold for a total gross of $155,555 (less sales commission and insurance). Two estimates were procured on each object before the sale and, in some cases, a reserve price established. Twenty-eight items sold below the estimate, fifteen within, and six above.

Other Smithsonian organizations, the U.S. Postal Service and other museums were the recipients of American History's deaccessioning of some 503 objects. Objects ranged from room panels and a ceramic plaque to a quarter-ton jeep, dead letter objects, and military insignia.

The two science museums also actively reviewed their collections. The National Air and Space Museum gave 17 aeronautical and space science items to other museums, destroyed eleven items which had deteriorated beyond repair, and installed 45 separately accessioned objects on appropriate aircraft and thus had their individual