Oak Ballot Box

[ghopper1924]

OK, I know what it is, where it came from, and even a time period:

This is an oak ballot box from Kansas City, ca. 1920-40. It stands several feet high, tall enough to be used as a table. The glass panes are held together by lead strips. It has four "free standing" round oak piers holding up the top portion. The lid opens on a hinge, the block underneath the lid is pine and has 3 locking mechanisms using 3 different keys. All of the screws used to assemble this piece are flat heads.

I have never seen anything even remotely like it. All of the old ballot boxes I've seen have been much smaller; often small enough to be held in one hand. This is heavy! In fact, it takes both hands and a strong back to lift it.

My question is: Can anybody assign a value to this?

[bigwull]

Could,nt find yours but this one is pretty darn close..and the price might make your eyes water...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-AMOS-PETTIBONE-oak-case-GLASS-POTTERY-ballot-box-Green-Mtn-FALLS-CO-/330712199926

[sapphire]

Could,nt find yours but this one is pretty darn close..and the price might make your eyes water...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-AMOS-PETTIBONE-oak-case-GLASS-POTTERY-ballot-box-Green-Mtn-FALLS-CO-/330712199926

Holy $%&#! For a BOX related to politics and politicians??    Wouldn't give you two cents for it

[ghopper1924]

Holy Guacamole BigWull!

There are differences of course, but that is VERY ENCOURAGING!!!

Thanks for coming up with that.

[Rauville]

To me, I'd figure it was worth about the same as a similar sized oak spool cabinet or ribbon cabinet. Most buyers would probably be thinking of buying it for the same purpose...a decorative endtable. Maybe $600-800 and up?

[ghopper1924]

That seems reasonable.

It's all good!

[KC]

Here are two similar to yours....
"MATCHED PAIR OF OLD DENVER, CO. BALLOT BOXES"

http://dyersauction.com/dynapage/IP152.htm

[sapphire]

One that sold in Nov. 2011, for $260........

http://www.icollector.com/Oak-ballot-box-with-top-lid-entry-marked-McNulty_i9926690

[bigwull]

Although this one that you have found Sapphire....to me looks almost identical to the one ghopper has,...his is several feet high,...this one is only 1ft 6in.sq....which could make all the difference regarding price...and his also looks to be in better cond....

[sapphire]

I'm thinking the one I found may be older based on the condition, the attention to detail and the fact that with fewer people/ballots......they wouldn't need them as large.  Much nicer looking than the 'artistic' cardboard thingies we drop our useless choices into today 

[bigwull]

Holy Guacamole BigWull!

There are differences of course, but that is VERY ENCOURAGING!!!

Thanks for coming up with that.

the last time i heard Holy Guacamole....was when it was followed by ...Kepow!..Bang!..Klunk!...

[ghopper1924]

You are correct Wull, I resurrected "Holy Guacamole" from the original Batman. What can I say, sometimes the classics speak for themelves.

You all  are amazing detectives! I think you've found it. Mine is indeed almost 2 feet high, but also measures 18" on each side, so I think we've got the same manufacturer. I got this ballot box from my grandfather, a longtime Kansas City resident, but he also spent time in Colorado, so it's possible he picked it up there.

Of course $1800 would be wonderful, but $250 is OK as well. It didn't cost me anything, and I'll probably keep it as a remembrance of my grandfather for the rest of my life anyway. I'm biased of course, but I'll take mine over the ones with the turned piers.

Thanks again for all your sleuthing!