Family heirlooms?

[C50]

I'm curious what kind of things were passed thru your family generation to generation. Or more simply something you received from your folks or something you plan on passing on to your kids.

My family never had anything of value, monetary or sentimental. But...I did snag a big ole heavy vise that was in the barn when I was a kid. I have no idea where it came from, it may have been there when my folks bought the property, but I have been using that thing for over fifty years.

Not something normally considered inheritance worthy but man that thing is precious to me.

 

[oldaunt]

Nothing I know of but old family photos.....

 

[mellowyellow]

My mother's cameo broach

 

[jujube]

The things I have that I treasure: my grandmother's engagement ring with a tiny, tiny little diamond, the little wooden chair that her stepfather made for her first birthday, the handkerchief that she carried in her wedding (as did I, my daughter and my granddaughter), and grandma's first doll.

 

[Lavinia]

My mother gave me an antique cabinet, hoping it would pass down the family. Sadly, none of my children want it and I have no grandchildren. I shall have to sell it when my end is nigh.

 

[Blessed]

Are there nieces or nephews. Are there the children of close friends. To me is heartbreaking to lose such a thing. I would look for someone you know well that would appreciate the piece because it was important to you. Then it could be passed down to future generations along with the stories about you.

 

[Grampa Don]

The only heirloom I have is a small wooden chest that my Grandfather made for my Mother when she was a teenager. He was a carpenter and blacksmith. When she passed away, there was a handwritten note inside that said I should have it. Also inside was my baby book that I had never seen and some baby clothes.

 

[Jace]

My grandmother's "hope chest".
My grandfather's pocket watch.

 

[dobielvr]

This house.
My mother's wedding ring.
Lotsa pictures nobody wants.

 

[JonSR77]

Online --- Never post what valuables you possess!!!!

government website

Protecting Yourself While Using The Internet​

excerpt:

Personal Information. Think before you post anything online or share information in emails. What you post online, can be seen by anyone. Sharing personal information with others you do not know personally is one of your biggest risks online. Sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, family members’ names, car information, passwords, work history, credit status, social security numbers, birth date, school names, passport information, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy numbers, loan numbers, credit/ debit card numbers, PIN numbers, and bank account information is risky and should be avoided. Consider removing your name from websites that share your personal information obtained from public records (including your phone number, address, social media avatars, and pictures) with anyone on the internet.

 

[JonSR77]

Note: I am sure the original poster is entirely innocent...but yes, don't post that you possess some valuable heirloom.

Never do that.

 

[Geezer Garage]

My Mom & Dad's framed wedding photo, some crystal animals that I sent my grandmother when I was overseas. There was quite a few of them, but apparently someone else needed them more than me. Also a few gifts that I had given to my parents over the years, along with a trove of family pics, that I peruse a few times a year. Nothing of any great value, but it's nice to have a few mementos. Almost forgot, I have my grandfathers finish hammer, which is one of my favs.

 

[JonSR77]

by all means share all the fun stuff that has no material value to a thief.

But don't tell folks that you have some heirloom ruby in your house! Please!

 

[Grampa Don]

I have an heirloom ruby in my house.

Actually, I really have. But, it's a tiny unpolished thing that my Mom picked up on a trip to Arkansas. It's in a little glass bottle that thieves will never find.

 

[JonSR77]

I have an heirloom ruby in my house.

Actually, I really have. But, it's a tiny unpolished thing that my Mom picked up on a trip to Arkansas. It's in a little glass bottle that thieves will never find.

Ok, at least the thieves now know which house to start with...

 

[Alligatorob]

I have done my best to rid myself of family heirlooms, still have a few to give away but not much.

One of my favorites came from my grandfather, an odd looking stone thing. Took it to a semi-expert and he said based on its shape and the tools it was made from it was mostly likely a plumb bob from Europe,15th century or earlier. No idea if it is worth anything, without any provenance probably not much. Still looking for a younger family member who might want it.

I also still have my grandfather's diploma, University of Georgia 1914. I have a niece in mind to pass it off on, just waiting for the right time.

 

[leigh91657]

I have my grandmother’s piano. My great grandmother bought it for her as a wedding present.

My mother calls it an heirloom. It has seen better days. I do love it anyway though. Good memories of it.

Don’t know if I will have any takers on it

 

[Gary O']

I'm curious what kind of things were passed thru your family generation to generation. Or more simply something you received from your folks or something you plan on passing on to your kids.

Couple things

My Grampa's Bible
Of which contains his handwriting
Nobody writes like that now



And my great Gramma's toy cannon

She gave it to me when I was around 5 yrs

 

[Jules]

There are few things that have no emotional or intrinsic value for me anymore. I have a lovely old settee that my grandmother bought used for $2 when she got married. It’s not comfortable so doubt it would be any use to anyone. I’d hate to see it go to someone who doesn’t care. Also I have a few random dishes from my great grandmother. Again no value.

My husband has an old wringer for doing laundry. Also a couple of other items that will be of no interest to his family. Maybe we should put them on EBay.

 

[chic]

Note: I am sure the original poster is entirely innocent...but yes, don't post that you possess some valuable heirloom.

Never do that.

I agree. So you don't get to know what I've got. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Lee]

The only thing I have is a decorated Ukrainian Easter egg which my grandmother did at the age of 82, she was never one to shy away from a new hobby no matter what the age.

I also have the cherub placed in her room by the hospital near the end.

 

[C50]

I agree. So you don't get to know what I've got. Better safe than sorry.

View attachment 222385

Family heirlooms in my opinion are more about sentiment and family history, not necessarily monetary value.

But I get what you're saying and fully agree with being careful when posting info on a public forum. I've figured out where people live by screen names or pictures showing their local area. Also pictures with cars in the background showing liscense plates, that's a big no no.

 

[JonSR77]

The only thing I have is a decorated Ukrainian Easter egg which my grandmother did at the age of 82, she was never one to shy away from a new hobby no matter what the age.

I also have the cherub placed in her room by the hospital near the end.

are you Ukrainian? Many sympathies for what is going on there. So very sorry. Take care.

 

[Jules]

Remember when it was popular to monogram your sheets, silverware, etc. That was when it was a given that the marriage would last forever. It was a strange custom because most of these items would be later passed on to the daughter, who in theory would have taken her husband’s name.

My daughter was given a set of these. It’s hard enough to sell silverware now let alone to find someone with the same initial. I think she donated them.

 

[Sassycakes]

When my parents passed away my sister and I decided to let the 9 grandchildren take whatever they wanted. We have wonderful memories of them and no material thing can equal those memories.