The value of an old cedar chest depends on a few factors, including its age, condition, and maker. Many antique cedar chests were made in the late 19th century or early 20th century and may have been used as hope chests for young women, storage chests for family keepsakes, or a place for linens.
Depending on the condition, maker, and details such as a manufacturer’s name, size, age, and style, these chests can be quite valuable.
To assess an old cedar chest’s worth, research the maker and age of the piece. Chests made by known manufacturers such as Lane, Cedarburg, Indiana Cedar Chest Company and Drevotex can be more valuable than a chest without a label.
Some chests contain a metal plate indicating a registration date, which can help identify its age. An antique appraiser can also help provide a more accurate estimate of its value, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
In general, a chest in good condition will also be worth more than one with poor condition due to wear, tear or damage. Be sure to check the latch, hinges, and key as these (plus the chest’s design and age) all contribute to its overall value.
Lastly, look for evidence of use or customizations as these can add character to an old cedar chest, increasing its worth.
How can I tell how old my cedar chest is?
Determining the age of a cedar chest can be challenging due to the fact that many of these pieces are antiques and have no markings or labels to indicate the date of manufacture. If a cedar chest does have a label, contacting the manufacturer and providing the serial number printed on it can often provide accurate information regarding the age of the chest.
If a label is not present on a cedar chest, there are some basic clues that may suggest an approximate age. Keys are often used to secure cedar chests, and discovering that a chest has a key may indicate a piece from the 19th century or earlier.
Additionally, burled wood patterns, simple hinged lid tops, metal hinges, hand-cut dovetailed joints, and hand-carved details are all indicative of an older chest. For example, before the 20th century, many cedar chests specific to Scottish or Irish origin featured tacks, locks, and escutcheons which served as decorations rather than practical pieces.
In some cases, an expert may be required to assess the age of an antique cedar chest. It may take an expert to assess other notable features such as joinery methods. Additionally, if a specific style or pattern of carving is known, an antique dealer may be best suited to properly date the chest.
It’s also possible to look at documentation, such as old estate inventories and photographs, to gain insight into when the cedar chest in question may have been first produced.
What can I do with a cedar chest?
A cedar chest is a great way to store items and protect them from dust and pests. You can use the chest to store out of season clothes and blankets, quilts and linens, wedding dresses, and other items that need to be kept safe.
Cedar chests also make great heirloom pieces, as the aromatic properties of the cedar will help keep your items in pristine condition for generations. Additionally, due to the natural appearance of the cedar, the chest can also be used as a stylish piece of furniture, and they look especially nice as a decorative element of a bedroom or living room.
Cedar chests can also be used in addition to a closet, perfect for storing off-season clothes, accessories, and more. No matter what you decide to store in the cedar chest, the aromatic qualities help preserve the contents inside and the chest will become a cherished favorite for years to come.
What is an Old Lane cedar chest worth?
The value of an Old Lane cedar chest depends on a variety of factors including the age, condition, and style of the piece. Generally, the older the chest, the more valuable it is. Its condition also affects its value, so if there are any scratches, dents, or discoloration, this will decrease the cedar chest’s value.
Additionally, certain styles of Old Lane cedar chests have a premium attached to them, such as those with arched or curved tops. With all of these variables in mind, an Old Lane cedar chest could be worth anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 depending on the specifics of each individual piece.
If a piece is in good condition, particularly if it is an older, unique style, it can be worth more.
How do you clean an old cedar chest?
Cleaning an old cedar chest is a multi-step process that should be done with care in order to preserve the wood and provide long-term protection. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Remove Dirt – Dust and vacuum the chest with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, you can use a soft, dry cloth.
Step 2: Clean the Cedar – Mix a mild cleaner with water, such as dish soap or Baby shampoo, and apply it to the cedar with a soft, damp cloth. Work in the direction of the grain and, using a separate cloth, dry the chest immediately afterward.
Step 3: Polish the Wood – Using a natural oil-based polish, such as beeswax, apply it evenly and liberally to the cedar chest. Use the cloth in the direction of the grain for best results.
Step 4: Coat with Wax – Once the polish has completely dried, apply a coat of wax to the cedar. Be sure to use a wax that is specifically made for wood and to allow the wax to dry before buffing it with a clean cloth.
Finally, for additional protection, you may choose to seal the wood with a polyurethane sealer. This will help protect against moisture and prevent fading from sunlight. Be sure to follow the instructions on the sealer or finish product for best results.
Do people still use cedar chests?
Yes, people do still use cedar chests. The natural aroma and anti-insect properties of cedar make it a popular choice for storage containers to protect items such as clothing, blankets, and linens. The cedar chest is also a popular choice for sentimental items, keepsakes, and photographs since it guards against moisture, insects, or any other type of damage that can occur with lesser-quality materials.
Cedar chests have also become popular decorative pieces, often used as a stand-in for a coffee table or as extra seating in a room. Due to its attractive appearance and usefulness, cedar chests are still a commonly used piece of furniture.
Do cedar chests keep moths away?
Yes, cedar chests can help keep moths away due to the scent given off by the wood. Moths have a very poor sense of smell and are naturally repelled by the scent of cedar, which makes it an ideal material to use in chests to store clothing and linens.
Cedar chests also possess a few extra features that add an extra layer of protection, such as lids and tight-fitting seals, both of which can help to keep the air inside the chest still and prevent moths from entering.
Additionally, cedar chests are vacuum-sealed, which can help to trap any moth eggs that might be inside, preventing them from hatching into adult moths. However, it should be noted that while cedar chests can provide some level of protection, they are not a guarantee against moths.
Therefore, it is important to regularly check your cedar chest for signs of insects, and to take extra care to make sure your clothing and linens are free from damage or contamination.
What is a cedar closet good for?
A cedar closet can be great for a variety of storage purposes as it helps to protect clothes and other items from pests, such as moths, as well as moisture and odors. Cedar is an aromatic, naturally insect-repellent wood, so it is effective at keeping moths away and deterring mold growth and mildew.
Cedar can also help to absorb moisture, which helps to reduce mustiness and odors in stored items. Thus, cedar closets are ideal for storing items such as wool clothing, sweaters, fur coats, leather jackets, linens and blankets.
Additionally, cedar is a durable material and is often used in closets to help extend the life of clothing and other items. Finally, cedar is a beautiful material to work with and a cedar closet may bring added charm to any room.
Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?
Bed bugs can get into a cedar chest, but it is less likely than other materials. Cedar naturally has some insect repellent qualities, which can make it a less ideal spot for bed bugs to nest and lay eggs.
Bed bugs can’t easily penetrate the hard surface of cedar, so they’re unlikely to make their way inside the chest itself.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still find bed bugs in your cedar chest. It still is possible for bed bugs to hitch a ride on items stored in the chest, or brought into the room, to get inside the chest.
Any items stored in the chest should be looked at closely and washed before being put back in the chest. Make sure to regularly check for signs of bed bugs in and around the cedar chest, including any items stored inside it.
Why did they call it a hope chest?
A hope chest, also known as a glory box or dowry chest, is a traditional piece of furniture that has been used since the 1700s. It is meant to store items for a young girl or woman for when she gets married.
The chest was made from cedarwood, because it was believed to repel mice and moths, and her family and friends would contribute to it by gifting her with quilts, linens, clothes and other household items.
Over time, the hope chest has become a symbol of hope, possibility, and the love and protection that comes from family and community. It is thought that the name “hope chest” was derived from the concept of a young woman looking to the future with hope and anticipation of marriage and a life of her own.
It’s a way for her family to express their love and support of her as she embarks on her own journey.
What’s in a hope chest?
A hope chest, also known as a dowry chest, glory box, cedar chest, or comfort box, is traditionally a wooden box filled with items that a young girl saves up while she is growing up, with the idea of creating a desire to help her start a life of her own when she gets married.
While it originally served a practical purpose, offering something of value to help the young woman begin her own household, it has since become a treasured family heirloom. Typical items found in a hope chest include linens, quilts, towels, napkins, tablecloths, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, and other items of clothing, such as aprons and gloves.
It might also include items that have special meaning to the young woman, such as letters, postcards, and photographs, or it may even include a special piece of jewelry. In many cases the pine box itself is used to not only store the items, but also to pay tribute to a young woman’s transition into adulthood.
What should you not put in a cedar chest?
It is not recommended to store items that are not fabric in a cedar chest. This includes items such as leather, rubber, plastic, rubber bands, newspapers, and books. These items should be stored in another area to prevent discoloration, cracking, or damage from the cedar.
Additionally, you should never store items such as food, cleaning supplies, insecticides, or paints in a cedar chest. This can be toxic or damaging to the chest, as well as any fabrics that may be stored in the chest.
Additionally, the chest should not be used to store live plants, as the humidity inside could be harmful to their growth. Finally, it is important to never store wood or wood products, matches, solvents, or oily cloth in a cedar chest.
These items can react or damage the wood and should be stored in a different area away from the chest.
Is it OK to store photos in a cedar chest?
Yes, it is generally OK to store photographs and other paper-based documents in a cedar chest. Cedar has natural properties that make it great for storing things over long periods, including photographs.
Cedar is naturally insect- and rot-resistant, and its scent can help keep away pests and mildew. It is important to ensure that the chest is kept cool and dry, and is not placed in direct sunlight or near a heat source, to protect the photos.
It is also important to have the chest kept closed to ensure the photos are not exposed to dust, dirt or other particles, or to excessive humidity or dryness. Conversely, too much humidity can cause the photos to warp or stick together.
Be sure to check your cedar chest occasionally and if it needs to be moved, use proper lifting techniques and avoid shaking or jarring it to protect the photographs. Overall, if properly cared for, a cedar chest can provide a great place to safely store photographs and other paper-based items.
When did hope chests become popular?
Hope chests, also known as dowry chests, have been used throughout history as a means of storing family possessions and important items. They first became common during the 1600s in Europe, mainly used in countries such as England, France, and Germany.
The chests symbolized a young woman’s transition from childhood to adulthood, storing items such as linens and other household items in preparation for marriage and a new life.
In the U. S. , hope chests gained popularity during the 1800s, primarily among affluent families in the Northeast. They were typically made of cedar wood or pine and carved with symbols to represent marriage and fertility.
By the early twentieth century, hope chests had become deeply entrenched in the tradition of a young woman’s coming-of-age.
Hope chests continue to be popular today, with many of them featuring heirloom quality craftsmanship and unique designs. They serve as a wonderful way to pass down possessions and family valuables to generations of family members.
What is the purpose of a cedar chest?
The purpose of a cedar chest is twofold. First, they are used to store and protect prized possessions, such as heirloom quilts, blankets, and other items of sentimental value. Cedar chests are made from cedar wood, which has natural oils that help to repel moisture and pests, thus preventing damage and degradation of stored items.
Cedar wood is also light in color and has a pleasant scent, which is known to help repel moths and other insects. On an aesthetic level, a cedar chest is often attractive, with polished wood and attractive hardware.
Secondly, cedar chests can be used for practical storage of clothing, blankets, scarves, and other items. Cedar wood also has natural anti-bacterial properties, which makes them a great choice for storing items that might absorb odors, such as clothing.
In addition, many people find cedar chests comfortable to sit on or lean against.
How much is a 60 year old cedar chest worth?
This is a difficult question to answer without more information, as the exact value of any given 60 year old cedar chest can vary depending on its condition, the style of the chest, and the materials used.
A chest that has been well cared-for and is made of quality materials can be worth much more than one of lower quality. In general, an antique cedar chest that is 60 years old in good condition is likely to be worth anywhere from $250 to $600.
A higher-end cedar chest of comparable age and quality could fetch up to $1,000 or more. Ultimately, the best way to determine the value of a particular cedar chest is to have it appraised by an expert.
Doing so can help you determine its true worth and can provide you with a clearer idea of what it may be able to sell for in the current market.
What’s the difference between a hope chest and a cedar chest?
A hope chest and a cedar chest are both terms used to describe chests that are typically used for storage. Generally, a hope chest is a blanket chest made out of wood and is usually given to young women by their families as a family heirloom and as a place to store items to prepare for marriage.
Hope chests are sometimes elaborately carved and often contain items such as bedding, clothing, and household linens.
A cedar chest, on the other hand, typically refers to a chest that is made out of cedar wood. This type of chest generally has a tight-fitting lid and is ideal for storing away items to protect them from pests, dust, and moisture.
Cedar is known for its insect-repelling properties and its scent is often used to freshen up stored items.
Hope chests differ from cedar chests in that they are given to young women as gifts, usually to signify their upcoming marriage. The contents of hope chests are typically items for use in the home such as linens, quilts, and towels.
Cedar chests, however, are not typically given as gifts. Their purpose is more utilitarian and they are designed to protect items from dust, moisture, and other pests.
