When handling estates, we often come across items of sentimental and historical value. Years ago, we worked with a client in Sammamish Washington who was preparing to sell their inherited property after their parents had passed away. As part of the process, we managed an online auction and assisted in clearing the home before turning it over to the realtor.
While sorting the estate —a task we approach with great care—one of our team members opened a seemingly ordinary shoebox. Inside, she found a stack of old letters and several Daguerreotypes.
Upon closer examination, we realized these were Civil War-era letters written by a family ancestor who had been a soldier during the war. The letters provided detailed firsthand accounts of his experiences, and the accompanying Daguerreotype photographs captured him in full uniform.
Recognizing the historical significance of these artifacts, we immediately reached out to the family. To our surprise, they were aware of the collection but did not wish to keep it. Instead, they hoped we could find a Civil War memorabilia collector or history enthusiast who would truly appreciate these rare items.
This experience reinforced an important lesson: sometimes, historical artifacts and family heirlooms are best preserved by collectors or institutions rather than remaining in a family’s possession. By connecting these rare documents and photographs with a passionate collector, we ensured they would be conserved and valued for years to come.
At Caring Transitions, we understand that estate sales and online auctions are more than just a way to downsize or liquidate an estate. They can uncover forgotten treasures, helping families find the right place for items of historical and sentimental significance.