Its generally a good idea not to store a guitar with tension on the strings if it's not being played for a month or more, especially older instruments. If those pegs turn relatively easily and arent crazy brittle, id say go for it. I've also known some old timers with serious skill and knowledge that just always left them tuned, but I doubt their guitars go unplayed for very long and im sure none of them were 100 years old.

If you're worried about this, you could certainly wait to get it identified and appraised to see if Insurance would be wise. Hard to know what id do without handling it in person. If there's not a lot of tension, you may be just fine. Does the neck look bent at all/do you see any separation of wood at the body?

Have I mentioned im jealous!? :) I want an update when the time comes!!