How can I make over this Lane cedar chest?

Hi! It's my understanding that it depends a lot on the condition, and the local market, how much they are worth. I did find this article to get you started:

https://www.hunker.com/13412447/determining-the-value-of-a-lane-cedar-chest

See if these help you out!

https://www.hunker.com/13412029/lane-cedar-chest-styles

https://www.hunker.com/13412447/determining-the-value-of-a-lane-cedar-chest

https://lexcelestial.netlify.com/crack/lane-cedar-chest-serial-number-lookup.html

I love old cedar chests, so if you love it and intended for personal use, go for it. If for resale, think about time and materials and will you make a profit. I would start by cleaning it and then assessing your next move. Murphy's Oil Soap for the outside and a vinegar water solution on the inside or use a very fine grit sandpaper to have the cedar smell rejuvenated.

Old furniture is only as valuable as the demand. I have a supposedly expensive piece which I have sat with for 6 years and can not sell. So what do you do. Keep a piece for years hoping one day it will sell. Or give it your own personal touch and enjoy the piece.

Just seeing this chest brings back many memories of early adulthood, these were almost mandatory in each and every household. Of course there were many styles and it seemed the perfect place for storage of blankets.

I would suggest removing the hardware and clean them up, then start cleaning from the inside out.

Here's a systematic practical way to evaluate and clean your Lane Chest:

https://www.ehow.com/how_7691438_care-lane-cedar-chest.html

https://www.reference.com/world-view/determine-value-lane-cedar-chest-9acaf0aff8bc4152

Best to you.

If you do decide to fix it up, here are some ideas for you:

https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=Chests%20in%20Paint

https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=trunk

Sure sometimes it takes starting on the piece to see if it is really worth the work. I did one piece and had no idea how much work it was going to be because the amount of peeling veneer was not totally evident. It was still hanging on and just slightly lifting in the corners. If you have all that....hmmm...not sure if it is worth it. But if you start sanding it all down and it's an easy sand, wood is in good condition, then go for it. You may love it when it is done.

I did come up with a method to make it easy to remove peeling veneer although still a pain. So if you have peeling veneer and want to keep going check out this post:

https://karupp-did.net/fetor-to-fetching/

This project was dumpster ready and if I knew how much work it would take, I probably wouldn't have done it. But really it took me starting the job to see that. Anyway good luck! I see the potential in you chest:)

Not sure the value, but if you like it you can remove the knobs and sand it and give it a new stain and it should be like new. After you have stain it put back the the same knobs for vintage character.

Value often depends on condition. I would refinish it, clean up the hardware, and enjoy the piece.

Hi Naomi, hope these help you out, From the Lane website: 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.

https://www.hunker.com/13404086/how-to-date-a-lane-cedar-chest

I would definitely re-do it. You can boil the hardware in a crock pot with a 50/50 white vinegar & water solution to thoroughly clean. It looks like it has a lot of scratches so you will either need to re stain or paint. Clean with TSP and see how the finish looks. You could probably do a java gel stain if you want to go dark. If light, I think you will need to prime & paint.

Naomi....I have my mothers chest that was given to her during WWII but this appears older. Do you see any numbers in it that you might talk with a Lane dealer and they may be able to help you out. I love it and believe you have a treasure.

Hello Naomi,

Handles look Brass - remove if possible and clean up. (soak in Coca Cola) Use Beeswax to bring up the colour of the timber........Best wishes.

I would clean it and then refinish or paint it. Lane cedar "hope" chests like this are common at antique/estate auctions and generally sell for anywhere between $10 to $100 (depending on condition). Fix it up to sell or use and enjoy!

You could clean/light scrape it and use wood conditioner and bee's wax to bring out the natural color. I would also take the hardware off and clean it, as well. Nice find!

Sand the whole cabinet down remove all hardwear hinges handles after sanding eather stIn or paint or use a penatrating stain you see the woodgrain through the paint it looks nice then varnish.

They are great chests to have take all hard were off then sand the cabinet down to the bear wood and varnish and buy new handles it will look great

As you know Lane cedar chests are famous for being handed down through the generations.

Therefore, consider not painting it, since you might want to sell it.

Lane has free latch hardware updates that’s made to prevent kids from getting trapped inside, when playing hide and go seek at Grandma’s.

Facebook has several antique furniture refinishing groups and you can ask them about the Numbers, if Lane doesn’t have a pdf.

FB Marketplace shows dozens for sale, from $100-$500.

Here’s the Age: 1981