What is a Lane cedar chest?

Lane Company cedar chests were a coveted home item from their inception in 1912 until the company closed in 2001 after 89 years on the market. Also called a "hope chest," these beauties came in a variety of styles across the years.

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Similarly, are Lane cedar chests still made?

The last Lane cedar chest to be manufactured in the United States rolled off the production line in the summer of 2001, and the plant closed for good.

Additionally, what can I do with a cedar chest? Use a cedar chest as it was intended, to protect wool, silk and linen fabrics from insect damage. Paint or stain it to coordinate with other bedroom or guest room storage, but leave the inside surfaces bare.

Also to know, how do you date a Lane cedar chest?

Usually Lane cedar chests have serial numbers that are stamped or applied to the bottom of the chests. You can read the serial number BACKWARDS to determine the production date. For example: serial number 753150 would have been produced on 05/13/57.

How much are old cedar chests worth?

Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests -- based on their age, condition or rarity -- starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.

Related Question Answers

Are Lane cedar chests valuable?

Anywhere from $100 to $700. Any Lane Cedar chest made before 1930 is worth more. Your serial number is located on the bottom of the chest and if you read it backwards you get the date it was made. Yours is 05/08/51 So with that said I'd say in good condition yours is worth $300 - $400.

What is an old trunk worth?

The average canvas-covered, flat-topped trunk in 'as-found' condition (most of the canvas is there, handles are broken, tray inside, smells like mothballs, has someone's name on the ends, some rust here and there) is worth about $100 to $200 un-refinished.

How do you refurbish a cedar chest?

Apply a chemical paint stripper to the exterior of the chest, using a paintbrush. Work in small sections and allow the stripper to sit on the wood until the finish begins to bubble. Alternatively, if there is little to no finish on the wood, proceed to the sanding.

How do you open a Lane cedar chest without a key?

You can open the chest without the key by removing the lock. Lane cedar chests have a safety problem on chests built before 1987. The locks on these chests automatically engage when the lid shuts, which can trap small children inside.

What is safe to store in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests are used to store everyday items such as blankets, sheets and clothing at the change of seasons. Photographs and other memorabilia can also be stored safely in a cedar chest.

Is Lane furniture still in business?

In big news for the furniture industry, North Carolina–based Heritage Home Group, the parent company of Henredon, Hickory Chair, and Maitland-Smith, among a large stable of brands, has announced that it will sell off the Lane Furniture group from its portfolio.

Where is the serial number on a lane chest?

Locate the serial number usually printed on the bottom of the chest. One antique-lovers' site suggests that the exact date on a Lane chest can always be determined by reversing the three pairs of numbers that comprise the 6-digit serial number.

How do you refinish an old Lane cedar chest?

Soak a rag in lacquer thinner and wipe down all exterior and interior portions of the Lane cedar chest to neutralize the stripper. Sand the wood surfaces as needed with a palm sander and fine-grit paper or a rotary tool with sanding accessories to smooth any rough areas and remove traces of the old finish.

Why are chests made of cedar?

Cedar chests sometimes are made from a different wood on the outside, but lined with cedar. Cedar is a preferred wood for storage because it repels insects and fungi, and has a fresh aromatic scent.

How much is a cedar hope chest?

Overall this hope chest is lovely. Usually ships within 1 to 3 weeks. High quality and very beautiful!

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Where did the term hope chest come from?

Hope chest history dates back to a period of time when families exchanged property and goods. The exact origins aren't clear, but it's believed that the hope chest provided the bride's dowry items, such as any clothing and personal property, to help her begin her new life.

Who bought Lane Furniture?

United Furniture Industries to acquire Lane. TUPELO, Miss. – United Furniture Inds. and Heritage Home Group announced they have entered into an agreement for United Furniture to acquire Lane Furniture.

How big is a hope chest?

Product information
Product Dimensions 30 x 13 x 19 inches
ASIN B015EUMJEA
Item model number CC30X13X19
Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 ratings 5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank #667,766 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #69 in Outdoor Storage Benches #1,081 in Outdoor Benches

How long has Lane Furniture been in business?

The Lane Furniture Company For about 40 years that is all the company manufactured before starting to make occasional tables in 1951. From there it was on to case goods, accent pieces, and finally upholstered furniture for which it is known today.

How do you identify Lane Furniture?

?Lane pieces are great and relatively easy to identify, but the only way to know for sure that it is a true Lane piece is to check inside the drawer or on the underside for the Lane logo and serial number. Speaking of the serial number - there is more to the number than it seems.

Should you paint a cedar chest?

Give your vintage Lane cedar chest a painted furniture makeover. Combine chalk paint with stain for a farmhouse finish. Maybe you consider refinishing the cedar chest and not painting it. If you are stuck on painted hope chest ideas then why not combine a little of both – paint and stain.

Are hope chests dangerous?

But what most people don't know is that some of these chests can be deadly. The danger comes from the locking mechanism on the front of the chests made by the Lane Furniture Company under the brands “Lane” and “Virginia Maid” between 1912 and 1987. You have to push a button on the outside of the chest to open it.

Where do you put a cedar chest?

Place your cedar chest near your entryway and use it as a convenient seat for putting on and taking off shoes. If placed in the proper spot in the bedroom it can serve a similar, and equally utilitarian, purpose.

How do you store blankets in a cedar chest?

All fabric items should be laundered and dried and free of starch, softeners or bleaches before being stored. Arrange items within the chest so the heaviest articles are on the bottom and the most delicate items are on top. Store the cedar chest in a cool, dry location away from humidity or fumes.

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