Marcus Spence, 42, looted Frederick and Greta Field's home in Rattle Road, Westham, while the couple were out.
Lewes Crown Court heard how he stole a treasured bronze statue and jewellery including a bracelet which Mrs Field wore on her wedding day.
He was arrested a week later after his DNA was found at the scene of the break-in and has 23 previous convictions for 53 offences.
Prosecutor Dianne Gordon-Bassett told the court the break-in happened on November 23 last year.
She said, "The occupants, a Mr and Mrs Field, live in a large detached house set in its own grounds.
"They left their home at around 9.30am and left the house fully secure. They returned at approximately 2.20pm.
"They noticed firstly that one of their garden chairs had been moved and placed under a window leading into the hallway. There was broken glass on the path.
"On closer inspection there was a large hole in the window which led directly into the hallway.
"Suspecting that they had been the victim of a burglary, Mr Field proceeded to inspect the house.
"In the living room not much had been disturbed but a treasured bronze statue had been stolen. Upstairs, there was evidence of an untidy search.
"In the main and second bedrooms wardrobes and doors had been emptied and contents strewn across the rooms.
"Among the items stolen were items of jewellery belonging to Mrs Field including a gold locket with photos of her grandchildren inside.
"There was also some jewellery which she had owned for some 45 years and a pearl necklace and bracelet which she appears to have worn on her wedding day.
"Also missing was a three-stone diamond engagement ring. A bronze statue which belonged to Mr Field was a gift received 17 years previously.
"It was a Parachute Regiment soldier in full combat gear and other items stolen included Mr Field's video camera and binoculars. The total value of the goods was £1,970.
"Some items stolen from Mrs Field were of sentimental and irreplaceable to her as was the statue to Mr Field.
"Police and scenes of crime officers attended and a bloodstain was found in the lining of the hallway curtain. DNA analysis revealed a positive match with the DNA of the defendant."
Spence, of Hobney Rose, Westham, admitted burglary and asked for a further offence to be taken into account.
In a separate raid in Westham High Street on November 27 he stole two ornamental swords, a mixing desk and amplifier valued at £525.
Defending, John Marsden-Lynch said, "It was not a night-time burglary, it was not targeted and no-one was present at the time.
"He does not seek to minimise his behaviour in any way. He is a man whose offending behaviour is directly linked to his drug addiction."
Jailing him on Friday, Judge Richard Hayward told Spence, "You have the most appalling record.
"The court must impose a minimum of a three-year sentence unless it is unjust to do so. I cannot see any reason why it can possible be said to be unjust in your case.
"It is very clear that you have a long history of drug addiction but at your age you should have done more to address it by now."
Two years ago, Spence was jailed for 46 months after he was found to have goods stolen in a burglary. Judge Richard Brown branded him "somewhat of a professional burglar".