Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/16/2005

Question
Hi Eileen,
I have a Lane Cedar Chest which was my mother's. I believe it to be from the 1940's. It has a Conestoga wagon on the front of the cherry finish. Serial #040220, Style #481777. Can you tell me anyplace to check into the value of this piece? Are these rare? It could stand some refinishing on top. What would be the best way to work on this furniture?
Thanks, Pat Dobson  

Answer
Hi Pat
Nice to hear from you.
Not being an expert on antiques, I can not tell you if your chest with the wagon wheel is rare or not.
I can tell you however that I have worked on a lot of these chests and I have not seen one with a wheel on it.
It sounds like yours may need refinishing or refurbishing on top, but that would not be difficult at all to fix.
If you have no experience in this area, than I recommend you take it to someone who does.
As to value, I can only tell you what I see these chests sell for at auction...and they vary greatly.
Anywhere from $125.00 to $475.00....you never know.
I am also noticing chests are getting quite popular with the auction crowd....I live in Canada, and the trends here are always far behind the US.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen