When my step-mom died I had a 4 weekend garage sale. Not inside the house. If you gave her something, it had your name and a date on it. If you came to this rummage sale I would ask you if you wanted it back, FREE. There were a lot of people that did take their gifts back.
She had lots of "stuff" and I am sure a lot of it was family heirlooms but I did not know about most of it. If I did know of a family history I gave it to that family if it meant nothing to me.
After this experience I have left notes in dishes etc about whose it was or where it came from. I have notes taped to the back of furniture etc. I only have one daughter and 4 grandchildren and I want them to know of any family history then they can decide whether to keep or not.