From what I have learned regarding Lane Hope Chests, the date is actually the serial number written backwards. Having said that, the serial number is written; 112220. So to read this the way I have understood it, would be 02 (Feb.) 22, 1911. I have owned it since before 1996.
When asking questions it is usually a good idea to also post a picture of the markings as well as the inside.
I assume from your question that you are just interested in finding out if what you relate as the serial number could be correct since all records show that Lane actually stated in 1912.
I thought perhaps they started building in a shed or something before opening the plant but that does not appear to be the case.
I cannot find any records that show Lane made anything before 1912. History of the company states the building was purchased in 1912 and machinery was purchased after that so I cannot see how the 1911 date could be correct.
There is a Virginia Museum of History & Culture that has some information about the Lane company but it appears they only provide a phone number for contact but if you have not tried this then it is one step to try.
Contact us
Call 804.340.1800 or 800.358.8701
This comment was also made in their history which seems to be saying the first chests were more or less 'poorly made'.
"During these early years the firm's growth was restricted by elementary manufacturing methods, difficulty in securing financing, and a crude finished product."
There is a book on the company history that you may be able to order from your local library (too expensive to buy):
This may have more about the years before 1912.
Lane Company Records, 1907-2003.
I'm not sure if you can obtain information from this site but maybe..
www.lanefurniture.com/
Just in case you're interested, this site seems to have the most information about the Lane company.
www.fundinguniverse.com/
ThriftyFun has information also:
www.thriftyfun.com/
You do not mention value in your post so if you're interested in value you can add that request or start a new question.
The date is a mystery. Is it possible some of the numbers rubbed away?
I found two that are very close from the 1929 and 1930 newspaper advertisements. They are not exact, but close. Back then they called this style a console style. Later they often referred to the top opening pieces on legs as lowboys (ironic because the legs made them higher). Lane made some sideboards, however, I believe they opened from the front, not the top--but I would need to confirm that with a photo or brochure--and I haven't been able to find what I am looking for to do that.
Is it possible that someone altered them to make them more fashionable at one point? Just curious what history you garnered upon receipt in 1996. The refinishing looks stellar! I get anxious when I hear refinishing because often people ruin pieces when they try to refinish, but your piece is lovely! The color is gorgeous!
If you have before photos, I would love to see those!
I am going to keep digging. Just wanted to get these details out while they are on my mind.
Looking forward to seeing the numbers.
Thanks!
By the serial number of Lane cedar chests, you can determine the production date. You need to read the serial number backwards (from right to left). This is written on the Lane website. Without a serial number, Lane cannot determine a production date.
The serial number of your Lane chest 112229 means the production date: September (last digit 9) / 22 (day) / 1921 (year). The digit 1 - the plant location.
This is a 1935 lane cedar chest. Interior is perfect and original, including signage. Original hardware. Not sure if lock has been replaced, as it seems newer.
Some fading in front. What would be the value?
I have a Lane Hope Chest - SN 358240. It's in good condition, minus missing the inside ledge/shelf. Could you tell me how much this would be worth?
I have a Lane cedar chest that belonged to my mother. Two numbers are marked #481073 (I think) and the serial number is #735260. The outside condition would be considered poor, but the inside is in very good condition and still smells very good.
What is the item valued at?
Yours would be at the low end. They range from $99 to $700, with the majority between $200-$400.
You have (to me) an unusual lane piece. I don't think I have seen one with the lovely legs like yours has!
There is NOT an exact match to yours on eBay either in current or sold so I can't give you a value today. The market changes daily, so may find an EXACT match tomorrow or next week.
Exact matches are critical to valuing items because some Lane's have almost no value, and some have held their value. If you compare yours to a one that is not identical, you could end up miss-valuing your piece and getting too little or having it sit for sale for months with no lookers.
I recommend checking eBay or Google for the furniture auction houses to find examples of SOLD ones to get your exact value.
When have sold these pieces I have never used the numbers...most people want to know wood, size, and type (like blanket or trunk) and leg style. It looks like yours are spool legs or maybe sheraton, but it is an odd angle, so I am not 100% positive.
You can use this link to match the leg styles:
www.google.com/
You may want to contact Lane if you have a lock on yours to talk to them about the issue with product safety of their locks--you can read this link and see if your trunk is affected:
www.lanefurniture.com/
If you are looking for a quick sale for your piece...most of the plain chests sell for an average of 300-400 dollars.
Unusual chests (those with legs fetch a little more, between the 400-500 dollar range. These are retail prices--meaning seller to buyer online....
If you try to sell on Facebook, Next Door etc. you can start at these values, but you will need to drop them to sell. Been there, done that.
You an also take good photos to an antique dealer and see what he/she will give you...that is easier than trying to sell it online (in any fashion).
Good luck! It is a truly lovely piece! I wish I had room for it!
Well - looking at the condition of the outside of your chest I would tend to think it would only be of interest to someone that wanted (or desperately needed) a storage place for blankets/quilts.
I am trying to find out how much my Lane cedar chest is worth. Style no. 4304-77. Serial no. 2275121.
Some one is asking 150.00 + shipping on eBay for your exact chest in similar condition. The lock was removed per the recall and eBay requirements.
It has been for sale for a while. Perhaps watch it and that will give you current market value! I hope the get that much.
Where I am these are almost impossible to sell because the supply is so high and there is a low demand which drove prices down.
Post back how your sale goes!
This Lane cedar chest has been in my husband's family since it was purchased in 1946. Now that it's been passed to him, we're trying to learn more about it (value, etc). Lane Cedar Chest, Style 2064, Serial 644160
While it's easy to see the "style" number, we've been unable to learn ANYTHING about what the style is (Art Deco, etc), and have yet to run across any with the "carving" around the lid lip like this one. We love the chest, just REALLY curious about any info you might be able to supply.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you might provide.
