I thought it was half barrel too!!! Until the owner sent me pics.
I might have to drill 3 screws into the top cover, string it, just incase it falls apart, at least the top won't drop and crush all the combs.
This is going to be fun! I was thinking maybe just leave them as is and harvest someway :) Natural THB or something of that sort. :-D
Will get video and pics if I dont mess up too badly. :-D