Thinking Inside the Box: Investing in Boxes that Contain Precious Metal

We have previously written on this blog about all kinds of collectibles that can contain gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals. We’ve explored canes and walking sticks, barware, smoker’s accessories, buttons and medals, and lots more.

Today, we’d like to direct your attention to another investment that should be on your radar…

Boxes that contain precious metals

They can be boxes that are made completely of precious metals, boxes that are lined with precious metals, or boxes that are equipped with precious metal hardware.

You’re probably not going to find a sterling silver art deco cigar box like this just lying around… but if you do, give Specialty Metals a call. Image credit: Michael Sedler Antiques Ltd.

Here are some to look for as you hunt for sources of recyclable precious metals:

• Platinum or sterling silver cases made for carrying cigarettes, tobacco and other items. (We have even heard of platinum cases that were made for carrying condoms… don’t blame us, it was not our idea.) Nobody today seems to be making platinum cases like these, but they were relatively common a century ago. One tip? A small box that appears to be made of silver or pewter could be made of platinum. If you can buy it for a low price and send it to us for testing, you could get a very good return on your dollar investment.
• Wooden boxes with silver or gold-filled hinges and clasps. A century ago, luxury items like binoculars, scientific instruments, pistols, art supplies, fountain pens, barware and tobacco pipes were sometimes sold in elegant presentation boxes that were decorated with silver or even gold-plated accents. Such boxes were almost always made of hardwood, but direct your attention to hinges, locks, clasps, and plaques.
• Wooden boxes lined with metal. It is not uncommon, for example, to find cigar humidors and tobacco-storage boxes that were lined with tin or pewter to keep their contents from drying out. Some scientific instruments were sold in metal-lined boxes too, to keep them from being “contaminated” and made inaccurate by magnetism from outside sources. Such boxes were generally not lined with silver or platinum. But if you find an intriguing one lined with a silver-toned metal, give us a call at 800-426-2344. We will be happy to discuss your find and what it might be.

What Treasures Have You Found?

Why not give us a call at 800-426-2344 for a complimentary phone consultation? When you discuss your promising-looking metal items with us, you have nothing to lose… and could have a great deal to gain.

Related Posts:

Be on the Alert for Strange Objects Made from Precious Metals 
Get a Grip on Your Silver Investments 
What We Found while Hunting for Precious Metals on eBay 
What You Can Learn about Precious Metals on Online Auction Sites