Old hope chest

Appraisal complete ↓

Photos Submitted for Appraisal

🔍 Click to enlarge and inspect marks, signatures, and condition detailsTap to zoom and inspect details

A
Posted by Anbrainard40
5 years ago
AI Appraisal
💬 Share Your Insight 🗣️ Discuss with Community
Description I have this old chest with wooden wheels. It appears to be cedar. There are absolutely zero markings that identify this. Juat someone who wrote something on the bottom. I am trying to find out more info about how old this is, who made it and what it is worth. Thank you!
Category American Furniture
Medium Cedar wood
Distinguishing marks Nothing I can find
Condition Good
Size and dimensions of this item Inside of chest: 11"×14.5×30.5"
Overall: 16.75" high, 17" deep, 34.25" wide.
History It was a gift. I know nothing about it. It is relatively good shape, minus some paint marks from rubbing against a wall.
💎 Have another item? Upload photos for a free appraisal →
Collectors with this item
Want to appraise yours? Upload photos for a free appraisal →
⚠️ You have 1 free appraisal left today Upgrade for 15-30/day →
Want more from your appraisals?

Upgrade for PDF reports, more daily appraisals, and ad-free experience.

View Plans →

Collector Discussion

Do you recognize this piece? Collectors often identify maker marks, share comparable sales, or suggest additional research steps.

M
MarkBlemish 🎯 Collector 5 years ago

I think the writing on the bottom says 4550 or 455Y. I first started googling no name cedar hope chest but then thought about the wheels and came across this https://findanyanswer.com/when-did-furniture-have-wooden-wheels
That made me wonder if this could be quite old and maybe more valuable. I don’t know and my first thought was it was someone’s wood shop project as my dad made a nice one for my mom.
So, no great info except those appear to be numbers when you turn it upside down. The wood wheels and maybe the metal casters and or brass plates might help if someone knows.
A
Anbrainard40 🌱 Newbie 5 years ago

I saw that writing too but just figured it wasn't anything important because of it being written the way it is. It isn't a stamp or anything. But I also admit I know zero about antiques. I found the closest chest to this that looks very close to it and it is a Caswell Runyon cedar chest. Thanks for the help! :)
M
MarkBlemish 🎯 Collector 5 years ago

You did better than me (I don’t know much about antiques either, do lots of google searches). There was one on this site and I think the brass or copper plate and the side adornments show you’re right https://instappraisal.com/appraisal/caswell-runyan-cedar-chest-6
This same maker different style one sold for $300. This one went for less than the asking price (doesn’t show what it actually sold for) https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Antique-Cedar-TREASURES-HOPE-Chest-Caswell-Runyan-TENNESSEE-RED-CEDAR-/324360294036?hash=item4b85614e94%3Ag%3A8GMAAOSw53FfogHM&nma=true&si=AWklQ2B4kQxk3q1DHEnRZRug25M%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
None of these are your style but they’re what is up for sell on eBay now https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Caswell+Runyan+cedar+chest&_sacat=66854&LH_TitleDesc=0&rt=nc
A little info here about the company http://www.huntingtoncountytab.com/community/8192/caswell-runyan-topic-next-historical-group-meet
And more info https://www.justcollecting.com/miscellania/caswell-runyan-cedar-chests
A
Anbrainard40 🌱 Newbie 5 years ago

Thank you! They do look similar huh? I really think that is who made it, but I don't understand why there is no stamp.
L
Lovejoy 🎯 Collector 5 years ago

The Caswell Runyan Company set up shop in 1907, founded by J W Caswell and Winifred Runyan, they operated until about 1956. This one dates from the early years of the company probably before 1925 when pieces in Historical Revival styles were most popular. Values for these current are modest, most sell for under $200.00.

Have another item you're curious about?

Collectors often evaluate multiple items from the same collection, estate, or find.

Appraise Another Item Quick Scan

Explore More Collector Guides

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This appraisal is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a certified, licensed, or formal appraisal.

Appraisal results are generated using automated systems, including artificial intelligence, and are based solely on the information and images submitted by the user, along with publicly available data. As such, results may contain inaccuracies, omissions, or errors.

InstAppraisal does not authenticate items. No determination of authenticity, origin, materials, maker, or age should be considered verified. Many items—particularly luxury goods, watches, jewelry, coins, art, and designer products—are frequently counterfeited and may closely resemble genuine examples. Authenticity cannot be confirmed from images alone.

Any statements regarding authenticity are expressions of opinion only and should not be relied upon as fact. Independent professional authentication is strongly recommended before any purchase, sale, or valuation decision.

Appraisal values are estimates only and may vary significantly based on condition, provenance, market demand, and additional information not available at the time of review.

Appraisals must not be relied upon for insurance, legal, tax, estate, or financial purposes without independent professional verification.

InstAppraisal disclaims all liability for any losses, damages, or disputes arising from reliance on this appraisal, including transactions conducted based on the information provided.

By using this service, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risk associated with reliance on appraisal results.

📸 Quick Scan
Garage-Sale Mode Fast appraisals on the go
💎 Free Online Appraisal – Upload Photos →
How our AI appraisals work