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.
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.
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.
