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.
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.
This is a beautiful waterfall style! I am not positive that piece of gingerbread on the front is original--I am still trying to find a 1946 catalog to verify.
I did see this "gingerbread" on a chest that did not show the serial number and was attributed by the seller as a 1950s piece. It may be yours and the seller did not know how to read the dates and just guessed. If I can get that as a screen shot, I will. I am not always able to capture screen shots.
If the gingerbread was an add on, then this may be your piece--which was sold as part of a complete bedroom set (see picture). This is clipped from a 1946 newspaper advertisement.
Waterfall is an art deco staple design. Technically, 1946 was outside of the "hey day" for deco--typically thought of as late 20s-1930s--but it is a classic style that was used in one form or another for years (even today)! It happens to be one of my very favorite styles and in many resale markets, it continues to hold value--which is great for sellers, but bad for people who want to own one and find it out of their price range!
I am going to keep digging!! If I find more, I will post back!
I have a Lane cedar chest style# 4569-70, serial# 2085180. I would like to know its value and age. I can't find the same design anywhere.
Depending on condition, these range from $125 to over $400.
FYI: Long answer, haha. Ive found some good info though.
Its easier to sell by knowing the age and additional info. The serial number doubles as the month, day and year it was made when reading backwards from right to left. When there are 7 numbers like the one you have, the first number refers to the plant. So it looks like yours was built on 08-15-80.
Unfortunately, chests built after the 70s have many replicants and arent as coveted as say the ones built in the 20s and 30s. But I still think there is a good chance of you making a little money off of it. As stated in a comment above, the value will also depend on the safety lock. As a result of many terrible incidents that occurred from it locking on its own and not being able to open without a key or latch. Although, I have found that the company states that there are around 6 million of the 12 million manufactured that do not have the safety lock detail at all. I cant see your pic well enough to see if yours has it or not.
So far Ive seen chests ranging from $50 all the way to $700. So, it definitely depends on condition, year, area youre selling it in, etc.
Ive looked everywhere and cant seem to find this same chest either. I have found you a contact number that may help you determine the value easier. They seem to be located in Virginia. Below is their contact number.
1-877-251-5010
Hope this helps you and let us know what you find out!!
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?
This has been in my family for a long time and belonged to my great-great aunt. I haven't been able to find much information on the style or value.
Any insight is appreciated.
To start off the serial number on these chests if read backward will give you the date it was made. Today you can find many cedar chests listed for sale on different sites like eBay and Esty. A lot of people will start the sales off with a very high price around #350 for the chest. However, if you look at the price most of the chest actually sell for these days you will find out that they are selling for $125-175 tops. That is the true value of your cedar chest.
Your chest looks like it may have some issues which will lower the value and where you are located will have the final say in the value as some areas may still like items like this while other areas are still into smaller easily movable items.
I would place value in the $50-$150 range.
You are correct on the date:
Serial #031927 reads 7/29/13
You can always verify the date with Lane Company but they will not usually supply any information about the chest (description/wood) but will provide information on changing the lock to be safe for children.
I would suggest listing your chest on sites like Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, letgo, offerup, etc as you can start with a higher price, maybe $450-$500 and lower it if necessary.
You can list on several sites just be sure it is in your area and list it as pick up only.
I am looking for any information on a Lane cedar chest. I was lucky enough to have to this beautiful piece given to me. I have just found a love of antiques and collectibles. I am still very much researching and learning. I was wondering if any of you would be able to share your experience with me. I know this chest is a Lane. I haven't found any pictures in my search that match. I'm in the process of locating the serial number. Thank you so much in advance.
Finding serial numbers was extremely difficult for me. I live alone with my 3 year old daughter. I was not physically able to turn it upside down. However, I turned my flash on and took pictures of the bottom. I found numbers stamped on the bottom of the pull out drawer part. 1734 04 I think. I had to take multiple pics because I couldn't get my phone to zoom out enough. I could just barely get my hand holding my phone under. Here's the pics.
Lovely piece!! I have it pegged from the late 1970s or early 1980s, so vintage but not antique (antique is used to describe items approx 100 years old or older).
Since you have a child at home, I strongly suggest calling the company that now owns Lane and send them this photo and ask if they can confirm it was one of the recalled ones
They were recalled because the locking mechanism resulted in a number of deaths of small children who were trapped inside.
I am sorry you can't get all of the numbers...hopefully they can use just a photo to help you. The recall affects products made from 1977 thru 2015.
Here is their info:
Call toll-free at 877-251-5010 and select Option 4, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, leave a message after hours of operation
or
Send an email to LaneRepair@ufifurniture.com
or
order the free replacement latch and lock online at www.lanefurniture.com/
Safety first!!
Post back what you learn! Thanks for sharing!
