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.
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.
Ceramics: From Grandma’s Dishes To Picasso’s Pottery
From Ming statues to Picasso ceramics, the market proves that while Hummels fade, true artistry in ceramics and porcelain still commands strong prices.
A Masterpiece With Impeccable Provenance
A 1957 John McLaughlin oil on canvas with impeccable provenance from Los Angeles architect and philanthropist Willard Cohn is estimated at $60,000–$100,000.
A Pig in a Poke… A Gamble That Paid Off
An 1880 French bracelet with a 10.15 mm natural saltwater pearl and 8 carats of diamonds by Charles Fontana turned an $8,000 gamble into a $14,000 prize.
One Extraordinary Housecall (Pt. 2)
A direct descendant of the Rodgers family revealed treasures including early American silver, portraits, Revolutionary War militaria, and a priceless naval logbook from the U.S.S. Macedonian.
The Changing Dynamics Of Collecting
A vintage world once tethered to the past is now racing into the future – fueled by passion, scarcity, and surprise resale value.
When the “Three Snakes” Pen Struck Back: My Collector’s Confession
The legendary “three snakes” Waterman pen resurfaces 25 years later—after a collector’s standoff, a $30K auction, and a $37,500 finale.
