Hello Tim,  I guess I'm somewhat remiss in holding back a little
since there were so many unknowns about the box in question.  So many
questions still remain, but I'll wade in here.

First, to get it out of the way, the vendor clearly states that
insurance is included in shipping cost and, assuming you followed his
instructions, since this is in print for all to see, IMHO you should be
able to retrieve your costs.  I won't bring this up again since it
really is off topic.

The "1/2 carat ruby" will draw a big yawn from any collector since it
is probably a garnet anyway and has no need to be gem quality.  Every
box of that size and era will have had one originally.  We all know the
relative values of industrial diamonds vs. De Beers diamonds.

After looking at the eBay photos, although they aren't great and could
be misleading, I would estimate the box to be from around 1880.  The
inlay appears to be real and not a transfer, a good thing.  The tune
sheet states that it is Mandoline, which is a desirable variety
although, as with any box, quality can be all over the map.

It is too difficult to see the condition of the teeth and cylinder
which can, of course, be very expensive to repair should there be
problems.  Considering what may have happened to cause the case damage,
and how well the box had been packed both internally and externally,
I sincerely question about whether the damage is restricted to the case
and may indeed extend to critical parts of the movement.

If the movement is in reasonable shape, (I don't recommend handling
it very much at all or attempting to play it until it has been seen
by a cylinder box collector or you have found and _read_ one of those
elusive books -- Suggested authors are Graham Webb or A. Orde-Hume.),
and the case is not totally reduced to kindling or a soggy mess I would
suggest contacting a _reputable_ antique furniture repair shop.
Probably expensive, but worth it.

To find collectors in your area I suggest you contact the MBSI
administrator through their web site, http://www.mbsi.org/

Regarding finding the books, in this day and age of instant
gratification through the Internet a lot of people seem to have
forgotten their local libraries and those in nearby large cities.
Sure, they are reference books and out of print and you probably won't
be able to take them out, but at least some of them should be there.

You can search many library catalogues through the Internet anyway to
see what they have before wasting gas, shoe leather and telephone time.
There may be an inter-library loan system in effect that you can try if
the books are too far away.

Please keep me updated on your progress since you could very well have
a fine box in desperate need of saving but, without care, is very close
to terminal disaster.

Jim Heyworth,
Sechelt, B.C., Canada