What It's Worth
Weekly articles written by Jeffrey P. Hess about the value of collectibles and other rarities. The articles are published weekly on the Tampa Bay Times.
A Beautiful Way to Invest in Gold
A rare 19th-century Tiffany gold box shows how craftsmanship, history, and precious metal combine into a powerful investment.
Fresh, Clean Water in 3…2…1…
A collection of exceptional watches is transformed into clean drinking water, proving how luxury can serve one of life’s most basic necessities.
The Auction House You Choose Matters
A Julian Onderdonk painting proves why choosing the right auction house—and valuing provenance—can dramatically change an artwork’s outcome.
The Star of the Story
A fabric star attributed to Fort McHenry’s missing storm flag shows how deep research can turn family folklore into meaningful historical value.
What Is Most Collectible?
Why ephemera-letters, documents, newspapers, signed items – may be the most undervalued collecting category, offering one-of-a-kind history for surprisingly little.
The One That Got Away
A retiree brings in his grandfather’s rare Cartier pocket watch linked to the legendary Doc Strub, leading to one unforgettable near-miss.
Spectacular Auction Results
From vintage Patek Philippe watches to modern art and guitars, recent auction highlights exceeded expectations, with top results reaching $45,000.
Samurai Swords and Armor Take the Spotlight
Highlights included a katana and wakizashi pair at nearly $2,000, a Tomatsu Sougen sword at $1,700, and a samurai armor suit sold for $2,000.
A Royal Connection: The 1813 Breguet Pocket Watch
An 1813 Breguet gold repeater linked to French and American royalty sold for $35,500, showcasing a lineage from Vincennes to Versailles to Manhattan.
The Beauty and History of Watch Fobs
An 18-karat gold seal fob once owned by Count Vladimir Adlerberg, aide to Czar Nicholas I, reveals the power and elegance behind historical watch fobs.
