Cedar Chest

At a glance

• Family: Chests & Trunks
• Periods most often found: Waterfall and Art Deco veneered chests date from the 1930s to the 1940s; Colonial and Queen Anne revival chests from the 1940s to the 1960s; mid-century modern chests from the 1950s and 1960s.
• Typical price: about $300; range $100 to $800 and more for exceptional pieces
• What drives value: Maker, Waterfall or Art Deco styling, aroma, condition

What it is

The cedar chest, or hope chest, is an American institution: a lidded box lined with aromatic red cedar, given to young women to hold linens for their future household. Lane Company of Altavista, Virginia, and Caswell-Runyan of Indiana mass-produced them from the 1910s to the 1960s, with veneered fronts in Art Deco, waterfall and Colonial styles.

How to identify and date it

Lane chests carry a serial number stamped on the bottom; read backward, it gives the production date. Earlier Lane models had a lock that latched automatically when closed, and after children were trapped inside, the company recalled them and offers a replacement latch: check the lock before use. Look for intact veneer, a strong cedar smell (it can be revived by light sanding inside), and original feet.

Periods and styles

Waterfall and Art Deco veneered chests date from the 1930s to the 1940s; Colonial and Queen Anne revival chests from the 1940s to the 1960s; mid-century modern chests from the 1950s and 1960s.

How much is it worth?

On the US retail market, most cedar chest examples ask around $300. Simple or worn pieces start near $100, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $800. The main value drivers are: maker, waterfall or art deco styling, aroma, condition. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.

Questions buyers ask: antique cedar chest value; vintage lane cedar chest value; vintage cedar chest value; old lane cedar chest value. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.

Before you buy

• Replace or disable any self-latching lock
• Check veneer edges and corners
• Look inside for stains and odors
• Confirm the serial number
• Inspect the feet

Living with it

At the foot of a bed or under a window, a cedar chest provides seating and stores blankets; it also makes a low coffee table.