Lane Cedar Chest Bench Value Guide

The Lane Cedar Chest Bench is a quintessential piece of mid-century Americana, blending the moth-proof utility of Virginia-grown cedar with the functionality of a padded bedroom seat. These colonial revival models are highly collectible for their dual-purpose design, featuring a faux-drawer facade that conceals a spacious, airtight storage compartment.

What affects the value of Lane Cedar Chest Bench?

• Condition of the cedar aroma and the integrity of the airtight seal, which are vital for moth-proof storage.
• The state of the original upholstery and foam padding; tears or heavy staining on the bench seat can significantly lower the $75-$125 price range.
• Structural integrity of the wood veneers and pine frame, specifically looking for chips in the colonial-style molding.
• Presence of original ceramic pulls and functional hinges, as missing hardware can be difficult to source for specific 1960s models.

How to Identify Lane Cedar Chest Bench?

• Locate the serial number stamped on the bottom or back; reading it backward reveals the production date (e.g., 579160 is June 19, 1975).
• Check for the iconic 'Lane' brand mark burned into the interior cedar lining or printed on a metallic seal.
• Verify the presence of the original ceramic hardware and the faux-drawer front panels characteristic of the 1960s-70s colonial style.
• Inspect the latch mechanism; authentic vintage Lane chests often require a safety lock replacement to meet modern child safety standards.

History of Lane Cedar Chest Bench

The Lane Company was founded in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia. Known for their 'hope chests,' these items became iconic gifts for young women to store linens and clothing for their future marriages. This specific model features a padded top, allowing it to function as a bedroom bench while providing airtight, moth-proof storage.