I have an individual who wants to sell a Mormon dresser made in the
mid-1850s.  It has a marble
top which was brought across the Plains in the 1840-50s.  The dresser
has very ornate wood carvings, mirror, etc.  A prime piece, including
its historical context.   The item has been featured in a Mormon
furniture book.  The museum cannot give/purchase full price for the
dresser, which comes way under what the item is worth.  The
sellers/donors want a certain price because of financial difficulties
and health problems.

Has anyone heard of giving "x" amount (a lower value) for the
object/artifact with a "purchase" price, then
the rest of the value of the item given as a donation for an IRS tax
write off?  Otherwise, the museum would be buying it at a lower cost,
then allowing the donor to have a tax write off for the rest to give
them full value the item is worth.  

Is that legal or feasible?  The item is a museum piece.  It was
suggested to have them just donate the piece, but again they need cash. 
 A museum should have it, instead of it going to a private collector. 
Any ideas?  Thanks in advance!  

John
Boise, Idaho  

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