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What to do with a vintage cigar box?

So I just won this "Rare 1925 Collectible Uncle Jakes Nickle Seegar Lined Wood Cigar Box". I got a screaming deal on it!

It's 13"x8"x3.5". Really a perfect size for a guitar. But should I turn it into a guitar or hold on to it to resell? I don't collect cigar boxes, but I love a deal.

The other issue is the top / label. I'd have to cut into it for sound holes. I'm not opposed to this. I think it would make a super cool instrument, especially if I can source some old wood for a neck.

What are your thoughts?

Taking suggestions on this one too - not antique but somewhat rare:

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Comment by Ron "Oily" Sprague on May 24, 2013 at 1:50am: THAT'S the neck for this build! Yes! So, sound slots, like a Godin? That'll look kewl. Glad to help...

Comment by Craig Mayhem on May 23, 2013 at 9:00am: Just bought this parlor neck to attach to it (thanks for the idea, Ron!) It's stright (supposedly) but needs a nut and tuners. No big whoop!

Comment by Craig Mayhem on May 23, 2013 at 8:56am: I think it's going to be a guitar. I don't have it yet but if there's room I think I'll do sound 'slots' for holes on either side of the label. That'll keep the sound projecting forward.

Comment by Suspect Device on May 22, 2013 at 12:35pm: Yes, build! A couple of small notches and holes here and there never hurt anybody.

Comment by Ron "Oily" Sprague on May 22, 2013 at 5:33am: The other box is saying "amp" to me...

Comment by Ron "Oily" Sprague on May 22, 2013 at 5:32am: Oooo, 'nother idea: with that tinned interior, you could fit it with a coupla internal sympathetic reverb springs, like pick does with the Swampys! You'd get a kewl echo-verb reso tone that way, I bet.

Comment by Craig Mayhem on May 22, 2013 at 5:06am: Good idea, Ron!

Comment by Ron "Oily" Sprague on May 22, 2013 at 4:55am: Craig,

For a vintage box, turn it into a vintage guitar. That's why you bought it, right? To build on? Find an old Stella Harmony neck, and slap that on it. Vintage on vintage...multi-vintage! It's a cigar box you scored for a buck, dude! If it were that "rare," a real collector would have seriously outbid you. I'm not saying it's not a kewl find, nor am I denying it's old. Just build the damned thing, then decide to keep it, or market it as a "rare Mayhem." Betcha get a couple hunnert for it that way. As far as sound holes, put one (just one) on the side, like Maddog sez. Don't mess up that label. He dicho!

Comment by Craig Mayhem on May 22, 2013 at 3:38am: Great find, Randy! Hope it brings you some good $

Comment by Craig Mayhem on May 22, 2013 at 3:35am: Happy birthday, Maddog... you're not getting my boxes, lol. Yeah I thought about putting the soundhole on the side of the box. I've done that before too. I'll probably do a rod piezo or a surface mount mag like a flatpup or one of my own. wrap it in red paper so it blends in.

I was thinking a stealth amp for the Filthy Hooligan box. Get a prop for the lid, etc.