Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/14/2010

Question
i have a cedar chest that i bought at a garage sale for 35 dollars.
there is a note on the tag on the inside that says "x-mas gift from mom and dad 1940".it is in very good condition with  no visable damages. where could i find the value on something like this.

  Houston , tx.

Answer
Hi Julie
Nice to hear from you.
I am in Canada and prices could be different but these old chests run anywhere from 150 to 300 dollars depending on age and condition.
And I've seen them sell for as little as 50 dollars and as much as 400 at auction.
Your is likely somewhere in the middle.
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 your 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=

Julie until you determine if your lock is dangerous, please please keep kids away from the chest.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Eileen