How to Choose a Time Capsule

How do I choose a time capsule container?

Over our 25+ years of service, we have had several styles of time capsules - not just one or two. That's because we serve different customers with different needs. Each style has unique advantages and disadvantages. Thinking first in terms of shape - it's either a cylinder or tube style or it's a time capsule box. We offer 4 sizes of cylinders or time capsule tubes, 18 sizes of the capped time capsule boxes, and 13 sizes of bolted time capsule boxes.

How you choose a time capsule depends on your needs.

• Placement. Decide what you want to do with the time capsule. Will it be buried, and if so, for how long? Maybe you just wish to display it, or store it in an archives or library. Sometimes time capsules are placed under monuments and inside of the foundation (or cornerstone) of a building.
• Length of storage. How long do you want the time capsule to lie undisturbed before it's opened up again?
• Size. The best way to figure a size is to have your time capsule contents already, put them in a container, and buy one that is close to that size.
• Budget. Do you have enough money? Don't skimp or gamble on a cheap container. You can opt for a less expensive container that assures your items will survive their intended life of interment. 

Cylinder Time Capsule Containers: "Future Line"

Are you on a tight budget? The cylindrical Future Line Time Capsule may be the most practical choice. Always in stock, these capsules are made of stainless steel, are pre-polished, pre-marked on the bottom with the phrase “Time Capsule.” Should you wish an even deeper discount, consider a standard or 'irregular' version. All of these time capsules may be buried, but follow the instructions included with the sealant kit carefully.

Our cylinder time capsules are available in the following sizes, listed by diameter and length (figure outer dimensions) from the largest to the smallest:

Time Capsule Cylinders

Size	Name	Basic	Bundle
6” x 24”	Mr. Future Time Capsule	08624	08628
5.5” x 22”	Mrs. Future Time Capsule	08652	08658
7.75” x 9”	Arnold Time Capsule	77590	77598
3.5”x11.75”	Sally Time Capsule	35120sd	35128sd

• Basic Cylindrical Future Line Family Time Capsules come with label, desiccant or silica gel, and small sealant wax kit. 
• Bundles come with label, desiccant or gel, and sealant kit - but also have preservation kit for all, plus oxygen absorbers for all except Sally.
• Easy Packages include the Bundle plus an outdoor quality plaque.
• Optional: Add simple light engraving or laser marked engraving of the lid.

Box Time Capsules

If you need more space than those time capsules afford, or if you have a lot of items that need to be stored flat, consider our box shaped time capsules.

Bolted Time Capsules

The Bolted Time Capsule comes with a closure kit (O-ring, bolts, washers, oxygen absorbers, and desiccant, a warranty,  a manual, and other information). Will you bury the time capsule over 75 years? If so, consider the Bolted Style 3000, the best designed time capsule available. Safe for burial of up to 100 years or more, this time capsule needs no vault enclosure and it is simple for you to close securely. We regularly order 13 sizes of this style time capsule box. Please see our online store or give us a call to see if your size is in stock.

Simple Capped Cornerstone Time Capsules

If you need a cornerstone time capsule, consider the Simple Capped Style 4200. The Simple Capped Time Capsules have attached cap and body, so they come with a sealant kit as well as oxygen absorbers and desiccant, a warranty, and other information. When placed inside of a building or semi-protected area, this capsule may be all you need, and the estimated life of this capsule’s seal is about 75 years (or more). This box time capsule is reasonably priced and has been buried successfully for limited periods. It's easy for you to set up, make presentations with, and seal up when everything's over. We regularly order 18 different sizes of this time capsule box, so see our online store today for availability and pricing (or give us a call).

Options

Time Capsule Finishes

The box time capsules have the 2B natural finish, and that is how we price them. 
As an option, we can polish your time capsule. Polishing makes the capsule an art piece and is strikingly beautiful. This option is popular for time capsules that are to be displayed.

Laser Engraving

Mark the lid of your time capsule with a beautiful engraving.

Preservation Enclosure Kits

Preservation kits are available, too, so that you can use the same fine enclosures for your items that museums do for storage of their items. Our customers often buy one of our smaller kits and supplement it with our archival supplies as needed. Popular additions include extra Permalife Paper (for printing, copying, wrapping, making stationery). The contents of our preservation kits have changed over time, but you can always check the exact contents in our catalog and also on the online item's description. We have contacted our customers over the years to see which items in the kits they used and which they did not, as well as to see if they needed any items not in the kit.

Plaques Mark the Spot

Mark the spot of time capsule container placement with a Cast Metal Plaque. Choose either a bronze cast plaque or an aluminum cast plaque. Both are outdoor quality.

For updated pricing and information, see the catalogs on our web site and our online store (futurepkg.com).