How to Identify Cedar Chest

Learn how to identify authentic cedar chest using visual characteristics, maker marks, and expert tips. Based on 639 cedar chest items in the InstAppraisal archive.

🔍Key Identification Characteristics

Visual and physical traits that help identify authentic cedar chest

1 Distinctive aromatic cedar scent when the lid is opened — fades over decades but can be revived by light sanding
2 Red-brown aromatic cedar lining on the interior walls, bottom, and lid underside
3 Waterfall or Art Deco styling common on 1930s-1950s Lane chests with veneer fronts
4 Self-closing lid with a spring-loaded or counterbalanced hinge mechanism
5 Dovetail or finger-joint construction at the corners on quality examples
6 Brass or chrome-plated hardware — original Lane locks have a key with a heart-shaped bow

🔎Common Marks & Labels

Stamps, signatures, and labels to look for on cedar chest

Lane serial number plate on the interior bottom — includes a date code (serial number minus 1849 = year)
Metal "Lane" nameplate or decal on the interior, sometimes on the back
Cavalier or Roos brand stamps on competing makers' chests
Paper label or ink stamp reading "Genuine Tennessee Red Cedar"
"Miniature Lane chest" — small 9-inch promotional chests given free with a full-size purchase

💡Expert Tips

Tip 1

Decode the Lane serial number: subtract 1849 from the number stamped inside the chest to get the production year (e.g., serial 2035 = 1950 + 1849 reversed — check Lane's specific formula)

Tip 2

Original Lane keys have a distinctive heart-shaped bow — replacement keys are available from locksmiths using the lock number

Tip 3

Check for the safety recall: Lane issued a voluntary lock replacement program for pre-1987 chests due to child entrapment risk — this does not reduce collector value