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.
When “I Don’t Know” Is the Right Answer
A Colonial-era Native American sash with a mysterious silver medallion heads to auction after research yields more questions than answers.
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.
