Property left unclaimed in safety deposit boxes goes on sale online Monday, as Massachusetts turns to the Internet to auction off items ranging from a Revolution-era silver mug to a Mickey Mouse watch.

The state Treasurer’s Office, after years of using traditional auctions to dispose of the items, will peddle the goods — essentially tax free — through online auctioneer eBay.
“eBay allows us to reach more potential bidders and ultimately bring in more money for the state,” said Alison Mitchell, spokeswoman for Treasurer Timothy Cahill.
Proceeds go into the state’s general fund. Officials hope to net “several hundred-thousand” dollars, Mitchell said. The auctions begin Monday and will last about three weeks.
Two big ticket items, whose appraised value was undetermined as of Sunday, are the tankard — or mug — made by colonial silversmith Andrew Tyler and salvaged from a burning home near Bunker Hill, and a silver teapot, circa 1800.
The appraised value of the remaining 198 items is between $100,000 and $150,000, including a 49-ounce platinum bar worth about $50,000. There are dozens of antiques, rings, pendants, and gemstones.
State law requires banks to turn over safe deposit boxes that have not been maintained for seven years. The Treasury tries to locate owners or heirs, and if not found the property is independently appraised and put up for auction. Rightful owners can claim the proceeds.

Posted: 11|14|05 at 10:27 am. Filed under: US News.