Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/26/2009

Question
I have a few questions regarding restoring a cedar chest that I recently purchased at a yard sale.  It has a label on the inside of the lid that says: The Continental Desk Co.  I cannot find any information on this company anywhere.  Do you have any information on them or do you know where I can find information on them?  The outside of the chest has cracked veneer and I would like to refinish the top as there are scuff marks, any advise?  Also, I think I lost the key, can I use any key?  Any info you can provide would be great. Please let me know if you need me to send you pictures.  Thanks, Sandy

Answer
Hi again Sandy
Here is some important info about the lock on your Lane Cedar chest.
It comes from Greg Scholl here on Allexperts and we thank him for this.
"Anyone with a Lane cedar chest should contact Lane immediately with their serial number and style number, (branded into the bottom of the chest), for a free and IMPORTANT lock replacement. Lane will record you information, help you detect which lock style you have, and then send you a free replacement lock. The early locks (some several million of them), have been responsible for children being trapped inside the chests, and several deaths. Lane can also help you date your chest from these numbers. Please contact them through their website at: www.lanefurniture.com or via this link:

http://www.lanefurniture.com/customer_care/NewlockRequest.asp?LHF=


Hi Sandy
Nice to hear from you.
Like you I could find nothing much about the company.
If you look here
http://www.jitterbuzz.com/indcav.html
You will see the only reference I found on the Company.
Heres what it says..
"Miss Rusty writes to show us some photos of a chest made from Tennessee Red Cedar that was constructed in Rockford, Illinois (just West of Chicago) by the Continental Desk Company. They seem to have emulated the products of the Cavalier Corporation. The owner says that she has had it for quite some time and that it was "old" before she got it. This chest looks like it might be from the 1930s."

Sandy the above site has a wealth of information on these old cedar chests and I think you should look it over.
It details the repairs to veneer and how to repair the finish.
Any key will not work but its easy to get a replacement from your local locksmith. Remove the lock to take to the shop.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen