Would it be impolite to ask for the basket back when I leave a baby on someone's doorstep?

I know it might be a lot to ask, but it's a family heirloom. I'm also not sure how I'd go about getting it back. I wouldn't want to leave my home address on it because for all I know some weirdo might find the basket, but I think a kindly worded note may persuade the basket finder to leave the empty basket at a neutral location for me to pick up later. However, I don't want them to do a "stake out" and wait for me to pick up the basket. I wouldn't blame them, I made a drop awhile back and got curious as to who was picking up what I was dropping off. Turns out it was my neighbor's little cousin. *awkward* I remember hearing something about somebody putting a basket in a river and everything turned out okay, so I thought I could leave instructions for the basket finder to leave the empty basket in a nearby river, then I could retrieve it downstream, though I'm worried that if I miss it or if it's too far out it might be lost forever. It's not worth much, but my mom said she's had it as long as she's had me and that it's special for both of us. What do I do?