MUSINGS ON ESTATE SALES

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GENERATIONS VALUE OBJECTS DIFFERENTLY
OR
NOT AT ALL

Many estate sale clients have the expectation that because items in their home were highly prized by them and generations prior (think great-grandmother’s Limoges figurine romping in joy), that expensive item (at the time of purchase) will be coveted by younger family members. Possibly, but doubtful. The ornate silver-plated fruit bowl that once adorned great-aunt Sadie’s dining table is dismissed by their grandchildren as unnecessary since they don’t keep fruit on the table, don’t want to polish it, find it unattractive and not their style and never knew great-aunt Sadie anyway (plus she was only related by marriage.) The multi-colored, foot tall glass flamingo purchased at the Murano factory in Venice on their honeymoon 60 years ago is dismissed by younger relatives as too gauche, too breakable and takes up too much space, aside from being a dust collector.

In some cases, those youthful descendants will accept the item with a smile, only to turn around and sell it online so they can take the proceeds and buy what they really want, usually electronics or peripherally related items.

On the other hand . . .

Some of these same, rejected objects are valued elsewhere, often in other parts of the country. Although Tucson’s a relaxed, entertain by casual attitude type of town, residents in cities like Charleston, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas still entertain in a more formal style, decorate in a more elaborate fashion and appreciate the workmanship of antique porcelain. To be served a mint julep in a mason jar would be considered in poor taste, a ceramic tortilla server would be re-purposed to keeping wet hand towels warm and that ornate silver fruit bowl now floats scented magnolias.

Since Millennials prefer quick, efficient and modern, you may want to turn to the numerous auction sites online to sell those desirable antique and vintage items nobody wants. Or, get used to the idea of your heirloom “valuables” selling locally for a lot less than you expected.

On the other hand . . .

If you do the latter, you won’t have to dust/polish/scrub the item, worry about someone damaging it, regret that it totally clashes with your furniture or feel that you’re disrespecting your ancestor by letting it go.

 

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