Why Did Lane Stop Making Cedar Chests?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The cedar chests made by Lane during this time frame, including those made by the Altavista (Virginia) Box Company, were

equipped with an old latch configuration that would allow the chest to be closed with no way to open it from the inside

.

Does Lane make cedar chests anymore?

The last Lane cedar chest to be manufactured in the United States

rolled off the production line in the summer of 2001

, and the plant closed for good.

Are Old Lane cedar chests worth anything?

Old Lane cedar chests sell from

$100 to about $700

depending on the age, condition and whether the hardware is original. Most are worth about $200 to $400. Cedar chests made before 1987 have lids that automatically latch shut when closed, which poses a suffocation risk to children.

How can I tell how old my Lane cedar chest is?

How old is my cedar chest? Usually Lane cedar chests have serial numbers that are stamped or applied to the bottom of the chests.

You can read the serial number BACKWARDS to determine the production date

. For example: serial number 753150 would have been produced on 05/13/57.

Are cedar chests still popular?

The hope chest of the past, also called a wedding or dower chest, is still a popular piece of furniture, although it is no longer used in the traditional way.

In the early 1900s, the cedar chest became popular

. … Lane Co.

What can I do with an old cedar chest?

  • Coffee table. Coffee tables provide the perfect spot to rest your cup of Joe while relaxing after a long day. …
  • Nightstand for a Bedroom. Nightstands are ever so handy! …
  • TV Console. …
  • End of the Bed. …
  • Entry Way. …
  • A Catch-all – Organization Space. …
  • Resilient Storage. …
  • Window Seat.

Can you store books in a cedar chest?

Storing paper is hard enough, especially when you have to care for the ink on that paper. Books have both these problems, and on top of that, all the pages are bound together and touching each other.

You cannot stack them up in a cedar chest and expect them to be okay over time

.

How much is a 1972 Lane cedar chest worth?

Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests — based on their age, condition or rarity — starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued

between $200 and $400

.

How do you clean an old cedar chest?

Mild Maintenance– Furniture polish and furniture polish rag. Wipe down the exterior, wiping towards the direction of the wood grain. Moderate–

Murphy’s Oil Soap or White Vinegar

(especially if there is mold or mildew spots). Use a lint free cloth, wring out excess moisture and wipe down the exterior.

How long does a cedar chest last?

You can purchase cedar hangers, cedar blocks for moths, and sachets for your clothes and bureaus, but they will be effective for

about 3 months

.

Can pictures be stored in a cedar chest?

So we took the question to the experts who manufacture cedar chests, and here is what they had to say:

It’s OK to put photos in the chest as long as they are stored in an archival box with acid-free paper

. Don’t let the photos touch the wood itself, as it’s acidic and could ruin the photos.

How do I get a replacement key for a Lane cedar chest?

Consumers should have the chest’s serial and style numbers, which are branded on the outside bottom or outside back of the chest, available when contacting Lane. To order your replacement kit,

contact Heritage Home Group at 800-327-6944

, by email at by email at

[email protected]

, or on-line.

What is a brides chest?

A hope chest, also called dowry chest, cedar chest, trousseau chest, or glory box is

a piece of furniture traditionally used by unmarried young women to collect items

, such as clothing and household linen, in anticipation of married life.

What can I store in the hope chest?

Items in the hope chest traditionally included

dishes, sheets, clothes, cooking accessories, and other household necessities

. At the time when hope chests rose to popularity and for many decades afterward, a bride would be responsible for many household duties, so she brought what she would need with her.

How do you refresh a cedar closet?

The easiest way to refresh your cedar closet is to

purchase a can of cedar oil

. First, clear all clothing and other items from the closet. Vacuum all the surfaces of the wall to remove dust. Don’t wipe cedar wood with a damp cloth, which can stain the wood by raising the grain.

How do you refresh a cedar chest?

  1. Remove all items in the chest and wipe down the lining with warm water to remove dust and the surface coating of grime. …
  2. Sand the wood by hand with 60-grit sandpaper. …
  3. Apply a few drops of natural cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub the wood to enhance the natural aroma even more.
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.