My family, for a host reasons, accumulated few antique treasures to pass on to generations. An explosion in Pittsburgh due to a faulty gas line in the early 20th century and a large fire in the town of Milton, Pa., both wiped out family heirlooms. Such sagas are not unique to my family. In addition, as families got larger, family treasures were divided among succeeding generations. A set of six chairs might end up as three pairs or six singles. As someone who is an avid student of genealogy, I keep my eyes peeled for family treasures that I can find and reacquire. About seven months ago, I found an 18th-century petition from a New England town where local citizens, including my eight generations back grandfather, sought to build a new road. It was on eBay and was one of the few times that I posted an outrageous bid to acquire the piece. Thankfully, no one ran me on it, and it now sits in the safe. My wife is descended from the famed 19th-century coppersmith John Getz, who worked in Lancaster, Pa. When the Conestoga Auction of Bill DuPonts collection came up, there was a Getz copper kettle. It came home with us pretty quickly. Ironically, a few weeks later a second Getz kettle appeared in a sale at Cordier Auctions. With several kids descended in our family from Getz, we decided in order to keep the disputes down that we would get the second kettle. We paid a bit more than I expected for this second example, but if it keeps the peace in our family, then it will be worth it. I hate competing against a family connection at auctions for items. Like me with the copper kettle, price is often no object in reacquiring treasures. I recall going to an Amish auction about 15 years ago. The family was buying back everything, and one could not touch the pieces. Even mundane buggy cushions were bringing crazy prices. It was all about the extended family, and I quickly came to realize that while it was fun to watch, there was no way that I would win anything in the sale when it came to beating the determination of the family. One of my worst auction memories of a family dispute was seeing two siblings physically fighting over grandmas rocking chair. Both wanted it, but only one could end up with the item. The result was an ugly fight where a lifetime of resentment came pouring out in front of all of us in attendance. I do always encourage families to hold onto their treasures, but I also hope that decisions about who gets what can be accomplished before the auction. It saves a lot of trouble if the family is aware in advance about decisions regarding what to keep. Born to collect should be the motto of Peter Seiberts family. Raised in Central Pennsylvania, Seibert has been collecting and writing about antiques for more than three decades. By day, he is a museum director and has worked in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and New Mexico. In addition, he advises and consults with auction houses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly about American furniture and decorative arts. Seiberts writings include books on photography, American fraternal societies and paintings. He and his family are restoring a 1905 arts and crafts house filled with years worth antique treasures found in shops, co-ops and at auctions.