Cedar Chests
Hi Joyce! I recently inherited a Lane Cedar Chest from my grandfather and was offered $150 for it by an antique collector. He told me it was a Lane Waterfall model, and the serial # is [] aand the style # is 482000.
I am not sure if it is worth more (or less) than his offer, but my guess is that it was made between the 1940’s-50s and I would say it is in fair-good condition. I appreciate any insight you may be able to provide me with on how to proceed with his offer. Thanks!
— Heather
Hello Heather, It is a gamble on my part to say 150.00 is a fair offer without seeing your item. 150.00 sounds reasonable if the cedar chest is in good condition. I have sold a Lane chest for 300.00 because it was beautiful and the condition was excellent. It still had the original furniture store tags from 1935! Dealers try to buy wholesale, they need room for a mark-up/retail price. You will always get more from a collector – one who keeps the piece for himself. So all things considered the 150.00 is not a bad price.
Other things to look for in a more expensive priced cedar chest (other than condition) are special features: if it has a shelf inside, the original key and details like carved decorations or hand painted designs…these add to the value.
Let me know if you have any more questions, I hope this info is helpful,
— Joyce
I just purchased a Lane waterfall cedar chest at an estate auction for $45.00 and I was wondering if you could give me some info on it. The serial [] and style #2550. It’s in real good condition and I plan on passing it on to my daughter when she’s older. What’s the best way to keep it in good condition? Do you have an approximate time period when these were made and do you know the value of these cedar chests? I feel that I made a good purchase even if they are worth nothing. It’s truly a nice piece.
— Pat
Hello Pat, Good job on purchasing your Lane Cedar Chest. $45.00 is a great price! The waterfall style was popular in the late thirties through the forties. Lane is one of the most popular brands of (Hope Chests) or cedar chests of that era. To refresh the cedar scent lightly sand with very fine sand paper. Does your piece have a shelf inside? If so that increases the value. A quality Lane cedar chest from 1940 can sell for $300.00! Good find!
— Joyce
