A. Your chest is a 1920s-early 1940s piece made by the Cavalier furniture company, founded in 1865 in Chattanooga, Tenn. The company was known for bedroom sets and cedar chests. Rec room collectors know that later, the firm diversified by making Coca-Cola vending machines.

Are cedar chests worth anything?

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 much is a cedar chest worth?

The short answer to the cost of a cedar chest is anywhere between $400 – $1,500 for quality build cedar chests. However, the above price range is affected by the size, the type of cedarwood, and the quality of the build. For example, a small cedar chest from Amish Handcrafted costs $485.00.

Can you store quilts in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests are not ideal places to store your quilts. The acid from the wood can easily transfer to your quilt, causing discoloration and staining. But if a cedar chest is your only storage option or you really want to use the chest for this purpose, then slip your quilts into cotton pillowcases first.

Where is Lane cedar chest serial number?

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.

Is Cavalier furniture still in business?

In 1987 the Cavalier division filed for bankruptcy and was spun off as an employee-owned company. The company closed in August 2000.

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.

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.

How much does a cedar chest weigh?

Chest Weight: 50 lbs. Packaged Weight: 74 lbs.

How can you tell if a cedar chest is antique?

Most antique cedar chests have a serial number engraved or stamped on a section of the chest. This serial number also doubles as their manufacturing date of the chest. An interesting fact to note is that the serial number is to be read backward (i.e. from right to left).

Can you paint a cedar chest?

After two coats of primer its time for paint. Two coats of white paint can now be painted on to your Lane cedar chest with your favorite Cling On brush. Make sure to lightly sand in between coats. You can great white chalk type paint as well as glazes, stains and sealers online HERE.

Can you store pictures in a cedar chest?

Yes, with proper preparation you can store photos in your cedar chest. Your pictures capture moments in history that would sadly disappear in your memory over time. Keeping your photos in your cedar chest will ensure their continuing preservation for the familial generations to come.

What should not be stored in a cedar chest?

Wood, papers and plastics emit gases and oils that can damage items packed in a cedar chest. Acid-free tissue paper is specially formulated paper that does not produce gases or acids that will damage belongings.

Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?

It brings with it a distinctive scent that to most of us humans smells like freshly cut wood with almost a menthol, minty scent mixed in. While that scent may be pleasing to us upon opening a cedar chest or sitting back in a cedar chair, bugs don’t like it and it will make them avoid such a dwelling.

Should I put cedar in my closet?

While there are many types of cedar, Eastern red cedar, aka aromatic red cedar, is the only type that gives off the familiar scent that deters moths and insects. To use cedar to its fullest, you should line a whole closet with it.