13 Family Heirlooms That Are Often Mistakenly Discarded
This post may contain affiliate links.
Family treasures can take on any shape or size; from a well loved trinket to a vintage furniture. They are pieces that hold so many memories so deeply embedded, that the value cannot be measured in dollars and cents. But in the excitement of decluttering or downsizing, some of these treasures accidentally fall into donation bins or worse, at the curb. The problem? Not all heirlooms look like what you’d see on Antiques Roadsho. Sometimes, they’re hidden in plain sight.
If you’ve ever cleaned out a loved one’s attic or garage, you know how overwhelming that can be. Boxes upon boxes of “stuff,” and not all of it yells “I’m a keepsake!” But it’s always worth taking a closer look before you toss anything. Here’s a quick list of things you may want to think about once more before discarding.
Vintage Jewelry
At first glance, that old brooch with missing rhinestones or tarnished locket doesn’t look to important. However, you may not know that some antique jewelry pieces can reach thousands of dollars at auction. They may also hold a family story beyond their monetary value; your grandmother may have worn that locket to her wedding or may have brought it over when she immigrated. Costume jewelry can have historical significance or be worth repairing.
Handwritten Letters and Diaries
In this digital age of ours, handwritten letters are rarer than a unicorn sighting. Letters and diaries are a window into the past––they show how your ancestors lived, how they loved, how they even argued. They might be historically significant also. A George Mason University study reported that personal letters and journals were among the most widely used source materials for researchers developing narratives about earlier times.
Old Tools
Before you toss Grandpa’s rusted toolbox, picture its heritage. Some old versions were crafted with care and built to last, unlike many modern tools. Vintage tools can be a treasure for collectors and woodworkers, as they were often built to last with quality craftsmanship. A hand forged hammer or carpenter’s plane might not just be useful, it may be a link to your family’s hard working roots.
Fine China and Dishware
If you have those mismatched plates and teacups in the back of a cabinet, you might be tempted to throw them out, but don’t. Collectors seek many patterns, especially those from brands such as Wedgwood or Spode. Chipped or incomplete sets, even, can have sentimental value, from being a part of holiday dinners or birthday celebrations.
Quilts and Handmade Textiles
CandaceHunter / pixabay
A patchy quilt, or handwoven tablecloth may not seem like much, but they usually have more history than you know. Some of these were painstakingly made by relatives stitch by stitch, and tell a story of what they lived through.
Military Memorabilia
Medals, photographs of relatives in service and even uniforms can tell you the story of your family’s contribution to the history of your country. These items may seem like clutter to someone who doesn’t know the background, but are prized by historians, museums and other family members. At least, they should be preserved out of respect if nothing else.
Photographs
You throw away boxes of faded, sepia–toned pictures because you don’t know who any of the people are. They’re more than just images, they’re puzzle pieces of your family’s history. Talk with older relatives about who is in the pictures. Photography from the 19th and early 20th century, even unlabeled, might be worth holding on to, as collectors value it.
Furniture
Although that heavy dresser or squeaky rocking chair might not fit into your current décor, older furniture is usually much better made than today’s mass produced pieces. A family heirloom can sometimes come back to life with a fresh coat of paint or some reupholstering. Also, it’s likely it has stories buried in its nicks and scratches.
Books and Bibles
Family Bibles in particular can be a gold mine. Their pages recorded births, marriages and deaths, and thus provided genealogical insights. Rare books may also have value in money. So, for example, first editions or books signed by the author could be a small fortune.
Kitchenware
A cast iron skillet, copper pot and even rolling pin is much more than a simple kitchen tool; it is an heirloom carrying with it a history of family recipes and traditions. They were built to last and with a little care, they will last your family for generations.
Clocks and Watches
Not only do old clocks and pocket watches work, they are often works of art. Some were made with detailed designs and high quality craftsmanship that’s hard to come by nowadays. Vintage timepieces are often collectible, even if they are broken, they may be worth repairing.
Clothing and Accessories
Vintage fashion is desirable, and that vintage handbag or fur hiding in the closet might seem like a relic. Beyond the style factor, most of these pieces have stories about the events they’ve been worn to, weddings, graduations, or some other milestone.
Records and Tapes
Depending on how rare your old vinyl records or cassette tapes are, you might be surprised by what they could bring in. While they might not be worth much, they are a nice nostalgic look at the music that your family liked. This is a great way to introduce your kids to some awesome music, so dust off that record player and give them a spin—you might just find your kids’ new favorite song.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
