My husband brought home a lane cedar chest from work the other day and I'm just trying to get some information on it. I believe the manufacture date is 1942. The chest is in really good condition with the exception of damage to the veneer along the bottom. The inside still smells like cedar and there is a little drawer/shelf inside. I don't have the key to the lock and I believe it has the new lock installed but I am still going to call the company to make sure. I'm curious what it's worth in its current condition and whether or not I should refinish the bottom. Would this cause it to lose value? If not what would the value be if Ifixed it up? If I had to give it my best guess I would say that the top has been been re-varnished. It's smoother and shinier than the rest of the chest. I really appreciate any help I can get with this. Please let me know if there is any more information I can give that would help.
Re: Lane cedar chest
"Waterfall" Art Deco style chests like this were made by Lane from the 1930's into the late 1940's, this one does date to 1942. Chests like this were made in thenten's of millions and survive in great numbers to this day, so values for them even in very good condition are quite modest. We'd retail one in good condition at about $225.00, but they often go ata auction for less than $80.00.
Re: Lane cedar chest
Thanks! I appreciate your help.