We attach sentimental value to the things passed down to us from previous generations regardless of whether or not they are worth enough to parade onto the stage of ‘The Antiques Road Show.’ What we consider an heirloom may differ from the opinions of others. One way to measure an objects value is if we would even consider parting with it.
The miniature tea set that belonged to our great aunt Agnes might not be in mint condition but if the value is in the memories, then the character blemishes inherit that value as well. Perhaps it is the story of how our mother, as a young girl, removed it from the curio to play with one day and having had an accident tried to slip it back unnoticed.