NATCHEZ — Miss-Lou residents brought everything from mandolins to coconuts to the Natchez Convention Center Sunday to see what their family heirlooms were worth.

Antiques experts appraised items brought to the third annual Natchez Antiques Show and Sale, which ran from Friday through Sunday.

One of those lining up with items was Vance Custer. She comes to the show every year, she said, and every year, she brings something different.

This year, she cradled in her hand a pink glass inkpot that had belonged to her grandmother’s family.

“There’s a little chip on the side from some generation of grandchildren playing with it,” Custer said. “I grew up in a family that loved antiques but used them every day. I didn’t realize (our belongings) were different until I was in high school.”

Show coordinator Patty Edwards guided Custer through three different appraisers, each of whom had very different reactions to her small pink piece of glass.

“It’s worth nothing with that chip,” said Sue Mangiaracina, the first appraiser. “It’s a lovely peace, and it would be worth $300 or $400, but it has to be perfect or it’s not worth anything.”

Custer just smiled. That was fine with her, she said. Its real worth was its history.

Edwards guided Custer past crystal dishes and painted lamps to the next appraiser, Bob Laroski. He, too, thought the chip marred the piece, but said it was worth something. It would be worth more without the chip, though.

“Because it’s an inkwell and a really neat piece, I’d say between $350 and $400 without the chip,” he said.

Laroski sent Custer down another aisle to see a man sitting in front of pastel dishes, vases and lamps.

The third appraiser, Dan Marquette, whose specialty is glass, provided not only more favorable price estimates but a little history, too.

“This is an English piece dating probably from 1880 or 1885,” Marquette said. “It’s unusual because it was first blown into a spiral mold that gives it an unusual effect.”

The top, which opens by swiveling the cap around a hinge, was an extra bonus, he said.

“It’s very unusual the way the top opens, something that I’ve not seen before,” he said.

The design, along with the mother of pearl satinware finish, made it a beautiful piece, he said.

“In perfect condition, I would (appraise) it at $750 to $950,” Marquette said. “With the boo-boo, I’d say around $350.”

That was good enough for Custer.

“I’m very happy,” she said, smiling. “I’ll hold onto it. I’m sure in another couple generations, it will have another nick.”