So much of the value in some of these items is sentimental, not in $$. The problem is that our society doesn't value sentiment as much, which is sad. or maybe we value trends more as a society.
I have had green Fire-King dishes for the past 25 years. 25 years ago, they were dirt cheap and I found them at garage sales, and under elderly relatives' plants in the living room. And loved them for the color and durablity. 14 years or so ago, Martha Stewart 'discovered' and started collecting them. The monetary value skyrocketed. They were the new "hot" collectible. That has faded some, and still, they are on my table. Why? Because for me, they are the same beloved dishes that hold up, are a pretty color and were made to be used by middle class folks like me, way back when. Their relative monetary value notwithstanding, they are MY dishes.
OK. Rant over.