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Unique Box, Tool Offer Windows To The Past

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By JAY MOORE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 15, 2009

I purchased a box at an estate sale years ago and it was stuck shut at the time. When I finally got it open, I found there was a family album built into it, with many photographs including Civil War and family tintypes. It is made of curly maple.

What can you tell me about it, including its value?

S.H.

Sebring

This is a folk art box made around the turn of the 20th century. It is made of mixed woods and probably has been refinished. The exterior of the box is ordinary, but the interior is truly exciting.

The home artisan who made this box went to extraordinary lengths to create a display case for family photographs. I hope you obtained documentation or family history from the estate when you made your purchase.

Things like this are very hard to evaluate from a brief description and photograph. If it does contain photographs of Civil War soldiers in uniform mixed with family photographs, it could be quite valuable.

I suggest that you send detailed photos to auction galleries such as Christie's or Sotheby's and work your way through the feeding chain. It is worth at least $400, even if it does not relate to the Civil War.

I would like information about an item that belongs to my grandparents and has been in the family for a very long time. We believe that it is an antique barometer. It is marked "By Appmt. To H.R.H. The Prince of Wales ... 12, Donegall Place, Belfast."

We would like to know its age and value. It is in good condition.

J.E.

Richmond, Va.

You have a barograph or recording barometer. It records current barometric pressure, a factor in predicting weather. Experts credit the French for inventing the instrument in the 1840s. Mercury barometers were used much earlier.

The photograph of the tag was impossible to make out. About all I can tell you is what you already know: That it was made by an instrument maker in Belfast, Ireland. It probably dates from the first quarter of the 20th century.

It would retail for about $200.

CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR CURIO?

Get answers from experienced appraisers during Antique Evaluation Saturdays at the University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.

Specialists in everything from maps to jewelry will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Music Room in Plant Hall, the university's central, minaret-topped historic building. For $5 per item, they'll give you a verbal opinion of your treasure's history and monetary value. Proceeds go to the restoration and renovation of the Henry B. Plant Museum in Plant Hall.

Limit four items per family; for very large items, bring detailed photographs or a piece of the item, such as a drawer. Questions? Call (813) 258-7302.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in .jpg format to baylife@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not compu

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