Lane Cedar Chest Salesman Sample Value Guide

The Lane Cedar Chest Salesman Sample is a miniature replica of the full-sized furniture pieces produced by the Lane Company, founded in 1912. These small-scale wooden chests were historically distributed as graduation gifts to high school girls or as incentives to drive traffic into furniture showrooms across the United States.

What Is Lane Cedar Chest Salesman Sample Worth?

The typical price range for Lane Cedar Chest Salesman Sample is $20 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the cedar wood, specifically the absence of cracks, deep scratches, or water damage.
• Presence of original paper labels or promotional inserts from the specific furniture store that distributed the sample.
• The functionality and completeness of the original metal hinges and locking mechanisms.
• The rarity of the specific design style, as some miniatures mimicked specific full-sized furniture lines like Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern.

How to Identify Lane Cedar Chest Salesman Sample?

• Look for the authentic 'Lane' brand logo typically stamped or burned into the interior of the lid.
• Verify the construction material is genuine aromatic cedar wood, which should still retain a faint scent.
• Check for the presence of original metal hardware, including small hinges and a functional or decorative latch.
• Confirm the era by checking for specific furniture store labels often affixed to the bottom or inside.

History of Lane Cedar Chest Salesman Sample

These miniature cedar chests were popular promotional items and salesman samples for Lane Cedar Chests, a company founded in 1912. They were often given to high school girls as graduation gifts or as incentives to visit furniture stores. These small chests served as a tangible reminder of the larger, full-sized cedar chests, which were historically used for storing linens and clothing to deter moths.