How can I tell how old my Lane cedar chest is?
How old is my 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 .
When did Lane stop making cedar chests?
2001
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.
How much is a 1960 Lane cedar chest?
Prices for a 1960s lane cedar chest can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $450 and can go as high as $2,450, while the average can fetch as much as $1,498.
What is the purpose of a cedar chest?
A hope chest, also called dowry chest, cedar chest, trousseau chest, or glory box is a piece of furniture traditionally used by unmarried young women to collect items, such as clothing and household linen, in anticipation of married life.
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.
How do you refurbish a cedar chest?
Lightly sanding the surface of the cedar chest’s interior with 200-grit sandpaper opens the pores and rejuvenates the wood’s natural oils. If the interior scent doesn’t return with sanding, rub some cedar oil into the wood with a soft cloth. This replenishes the natural oils and refreshes the scent.
Can photos be stored in a cedar chest?
Yes, with proper preparation you can store photos in your cedar chest. Your pictures capture moments in history that would sadly disappear in your memory over time. Keeping your photos in your cedar chest will ensure their continuing preservation for the familial generations to come.
What type of wood are Lane cedar chests made of?
The inside of the chest is lined with cedar, which protects woolens from wool-eating moths, since cedar has a natural resistance to bugs. The company used a variety of exterior woods such as cherry, maple and walnut, and often included detailed carvings on the chest’s exterior.
Are cedar chests still popular?
The hope chest of the past, also called a wedding or dower chest, is still a popular piece of furniture, although it is no longer used in the traditional way. In 17th and 18th century America, a hope chest was given to a young girl. In the early 1900s, the cedar chest became popular.
Can you store quilts in a cedar chest?
Cedar chests are not ideal places to store your quilts. The acid from the wood can easily transfer to your quilt, causing discoloration and staining. But if a cedar chest is your only storage option or you really want to use the chest for this purpose, then slip your quilts into cotton pillowcases first.
What is the value of a 1950 Lane cedar chest?
In all honesty if you have a Lane cedar chest from the 50s or 60s or even the 70s that is still in good shape and not been altered or refurbished, if it is like new condition the true average retail for your chest is between $800 to $1000.00 depending on how intricate its features and carvings it has.
Where is the serial number on Lane cedar chest?
Lane cedar chest serial numbers are either stamped or applied to the bottom of the chest. Some chest serial numbers have an extra digit that denotes the location of the plant where it was manufactured.
What is the value of a lane Cedar hope chest?
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.
What is a Lane cedar chest?
“A Lane Cedar hope chest is valuable to the bride who fills it. This is a fairly old standard for women or their family. Maintaining the hope of one day being married and being prepared to start this new life with a few, very rudimentary elements.”.