Lane hope chests

Jan 28, 2015 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns

By Poul Friis Nybo

Girl Inspecting Her Hope Chest, 1929

It’s tough work finding reliable information about Lane Furniture. And to be honest, it’s tough to find an abundance of data period. But as you all know, I love a good research project. Doing a series of follow up articles to my original Lane piece has been on the top of my list for a while and today I dug in. Based on the limited information I’ve been able to glean from trips to the library and some pretty serious Google efforts (sleeves were rolled up the whole time!), I decided to go about it in a different way – look for advertising.

The awesome Life magazine archives were my first stop and they didn’t fail. However, as you can imagine, it’s a time consuming process because you need to look through each issue to find the ads, then try to capture the model number listed. The resolution isn’t the best, so there are some cases where I snagged a picture but had no idea what it was referencing (not abundantly helpful, I know). But I do want to share my findings with you – and please let me know if you have any other information to add or know of a great resource I could interview for a Lane expert feature. I’d love to make Cause A Frockus the “go to” place for Lane information and I can’t build it alone…

Here’s a list of the model/style numbers I feel confident enough to share. These were all part of advertisements in 1950, so that provides an idea of dating. All of these items are for Lane hope chests; remember that their additional furniture offerings didn’t really take off until the mid-1950s/early 1960s. I plan to develop our Lane database by adding more articles that will walk through later years. But for now, here’s a start.

Just a sampling of what I gleaned from old ads - there's more I know!

Lane Hope Chests, 1950

You’ll notice that some of the model numbers are related to other ones. For example, 2437 is the same design as 2436, just in a different wood/finish. I’ll provide some images of the various model numbers toward the end of this post, but first a quick word about hope chests…

What in the world is a hope chest?

Hope chests used to be the most important furniture piece a young lady could buy. In some parts of the world it was called a dowry chest, a cedar chest, or a glory box and as you’ve probably surmised it had to do with marriage. This chest housed all the essentials a woman would need to outfit her future home as a newlywed. Common items included clothes, towels, linens, and even dishware. Within this box lived a gal’s hopes and dreams – a promise for a happy life. I wonder, do we have a modern equivalent? Young ladies today don’t “prepare” for married life. You go out into the world, educate yourself, and maybe you meet someone along the way to share your life with. If you do meet that special someone, typically you furnish your home together or with items you received from your wedding registry. That makes me curious – did wedding registries and hope chests happily co-exist? (Hmm… future wedding page article me thinks)

Now all this talk of hope for a future life may sound a little bit dramatic, but for women in the 1940s especially, it was very real. During WWII, GI’s would often buy a hope chest for the sweetheart they were leaving behind. Take a moment to let that sink in. I did. If Ryan left for an international conflict, with limited communication, and a minor chance for survival, I think I would gravitate toward something tangible. I would fill that box with all the things I imagined us using in our happy post-war lives; it would become part of my coping process. However, for so many women their beloved beau didn’t return. I wonder if their hope chests brought them comfort in these dark times…

Looks pretty great, right?

The Hope Chest, 1918

Lane Furniture was one of the most well-known companies for hope chests thanks to their advertising. It’s clear to see that they understood the emotional importance of these chests and also that they wanted to capitalize on their customers’ patriotic tendencies. As you peruse the ads, you’ll see all-American icons like Shirley Temple or Miss America touting the benefits of a Lane hope chest (specifically the tag line “the gift that starts the home”). But it wasn’t all flashy ads and great spokeswomen, it was also quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. Lane had a patent on a lock mitre corner joint that made their chests the best in the biz. And they had an array of chest styles that catered to the traditional gal as well as the modern lady.

In fact, hope chests were so ingrained into the married gal’s rite of passage, a movie was made about them. Okay, okay, the movie wasn’t all about hope chests, but the title was. Starring the lovely Dorothy Gish (who was married once, by the by), it was a tale of young girl from a poor family marrying rich guy. (And his parents did not approve – plot twist!) What do you think about the hope chest tradition: a sweet remnant of a bygone era or a reminder of how far women’s liberation has come?

Cause A Frockus would like to thank the following resources: Virginia Historical Society, Life archives, and the people who post their imagery in the public domain.

Photo gallery of Lane hope chests

Which one of these beauties, advertised in Life Magazine, is your favorite?

Traditional, with three drawers

Style 2221

For the gal who likes a clean line

Style 2247

Tradition for the gal who is more conservative in her tastes

Style 2434

Don't you wish a Lane chest was under $50 now?

Style 2439

Tough to decide which is my favorite

Style 2449

Love that sneaky bottom drawer

Style 2452

So much to choose from!

From left to right: Styles 2438 and 2436

2465 2446 2459 2472 2455

Four great ones to choose from

Replies for “Lane hope chests”

  • Caryn Coyne

    My mother’s hopechest has just arrive from her estate. It has become locked in the journey. Any idea how to find a key or open the chest? It is a Lave no 2247-01. serial no 6654120

    Reply ↓
  • Nicole Palmer

    Hello! I bought a Lane cedar chest model 2120 dated 547150 for $25! It’s in great condition with a little wear and tear. On the back is a black ink marking with Brages-Eisenberg Co. Baltimore Md. What would that be? I was thinking it was the store it was bought from but I can’t find anything under that name.
    Thanks

    Reply ↓
  • Eric Sizensky

    Hello. I’ve inherited a Lane Hope Chest, Style 2259 SN: 949050. It has a carved image of a Sailboat on the front center panel. Was this a unique design or part of a style series? Original purchase date was October 1950. I can send Pics if that would help. Thanks.

    Reply ↓
  • Evelyn Hennings

    Looking for information on a Lane cedar chest style # 45884. There is no serial number. It is a taller chest on legs with an oval inlay on the front in a diamond pattern. Lane was unable to offer any assistance. Would love more info on it.

    Reply ↓
  • Evelyn Hennings

    Looking for information on Lane cedar chest style # 45884. There is no serial number. Taller chest with legs, oval inlay on front with a diamond pattern, and made out of solid walnut. Help please?

    Reply ↓
  • Darlene Stoutenger

    I picked up a Lane Cedar Chest on the side of the road marked “free” and the gentlemen even help me load it! I love the design and would really like to see a picture from when it was new as I plan on fixing it up as close as possible to original. It is not in bad shape but it looks like it was in a garage or shed. It is faded and the left side leg needs to be replaced. I just love it but would like to know more and what value it might have so I have a little bragging info! The Style # is 2490-06 and the Serial # is 237511. Any info you could give me would be great and appreciated! I

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Darlene,
      What a fun find – love when you’re able to rescue roadside treasures! Based on the serial number, it appears to have a manufacturing date of Jan 15, 1973. If you could send some pictures we can see what we can dig up: editor@causeafrockus.com. Please note we don’t offer appraisals as we can’t see the pieces in person. You can find comparables on etsy/ebay to give yourself a line in the sand. Then you can take the pictures of your piece into local vintage shop owners to get a qualified estimate based on local market value. Cheers! – Becky

      Reply ↓
  • Robert gaida

    So I just got my great grandmothers hope chest but I’m very confused. The serial number is 050210 and style number 2439. Reading how to determine age that would make this a 1910 but they didn’t start until 1912….. can you lend some advice

    Reply ↓
  • Liz

    Hello!
    We just reached a cell phone in under my grandmother’s Lane cedar chest in storage to get the serial and style numbers – serial #927280 and the style number looks like 44811, but the video we took is a little hard to see it in. I have looked on line for anything that looks like this chest, and can’t find it. Any idea what it might be worth? The feet were damaged in basement flooding and we’re trying to figure out a value for the insurance statement so we can decide whether to try to have it refinished or not.

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Liz,
      Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear about the basement flooding! So the serial number indicates a manufacturing date of Aug 27th 1929. We don’t do appraisals as we aren’t there to authenticate pieces in person, but here’s what I would do. Taking in pictures of the chest and the relevant markings to a couple local vintage shop owners to get a sense of local market value – I would also recommend they get you in touch with a furniture restoration firm. They can advise on return on investment for repair work. Best of luck!

      Reply ↓
  • William Courtney

    Thanks for the information you supplied. My Lane Cedar Chest is Style 2190 in Walnut, S/N 092864. Do you have any information on it? Thanks in advance

    Reply ↓
    • cheryl

      I’m actually trying to figure out what it originally looked like so I can restore the outside. Also, are all of the felt lining on the shelves green? Mine has a light tan color and looks orginal.

      Reply ↓
      • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

        Hi Cheryl,
        Understand – we’ll reply here if we can find any original pictures. My vintage Lane has green felt lining in the drawers, so that may be a good choice if you’d like to replace. Cheers!

        Reply ↓
  • Lynn

    Hi, I have a lane chest with style NO. 1854 and I would like to know what year it was manufactured. I can find the serial # on the chest.

    Reply ↓
  • Leah Lansing

    I just got a Lane Cedar Hope Chest serial # 053120. It’s in really good condition besides the veneer peeling off pretty bad. The inside looks brand new. Any idea what I could sell it for and if possibly refinishing it first could make it sell for more?

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Leah,
      Thanks for reaching out. We don’t offer appraisals services as we can’t see the pieces in person. My best advice is what I do myself – find some comparable pieces on Etsy/Ebay to give a starting point on resale value, then take the photos your piece to local vintage shop owners (antique malls are great for this!) to get a sense of local market value, and they can give you a recommendation for a furniture restoration firm. They can speak to the ROI on refinishing. Best of luck!

      Reply ↓
  • Ln McKenney

    I have Style 2611 70 and serial # 2095150, can you tell me how much it’s worth? Thank you, it was my uncle’s!

    Reply ↓
  • Ms. Lin McKenney

    Hi, I sent you an email last week and not heard back. I have my uncle’s Lane Cedar Chest, Style 2611 70 and Serial 2095150. Can you please tell me what’s it’s worth to sell??? Thank you

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Lin – Apologies – I’m the only one replying to emails so it takes me some time. Unfortunately we do not offer appraisals as we can’t see the pieces in person. Our best advice is to find some comparable pieces on Etsy and Ebay, that will give you a baseline. Then, to take photos into vintage shop owners (antique malls are great for this!) to get their local market opinion. They can also offer you a recommendation for furniture restoration experts if the chest needs any repairs to help increase the resale value. Lastly, they can offer you help in selling the piece locally. Best of luck!

      Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Sara,
      The serial number indicates April 15, 1969 manufacturing date. As you know, finding style information (i.e. collection name) can be trickier. If we find out more, we will reach out!

      Reply ↓
  • Tisha Miller

    I was looking at a Lane cedar chest, with mickey mouse looking like he’s running across the front, for sale. I have been trying to find out about it, but I have yet to find any large cedar chest with Mickey Mouse. The lady told me it was worth much more than what she is asking. Thank You

    Reply ↓
  • Gene

    i have a style 2247 serial 051180 ( Aug 11, 1950 ) this is in mint condition …. meaning not scratched or marked, i do not have photos at this time… the labels are still inside… is there a rough estimate as what this would be worth ??

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Gene,
      I’m afraid we don’t offer appraisals – what I recommend is finding comparable pieces on Etsy/Ebay to give you a baseline, then take pictures of the piece into a local antique mall so you can get the local market value. Best of luck!

      Reply ↓
  • Michael

    I found a style no of 6148-S (or maybe 6148-5). No serial number that I can find, however. Family history implies this is pre-1960s at least. None of the usual searching produced anything helpful. Any ideas on where I might go next to determine the age?

    Reply ↓
  • Claire

    I have my mom’s Lane hope chest style No. 7101 serial no. 54116. It’s in beautiful condition. But, I cannot open the lock. It opened and closed just fine until recently. I ordered a key on-line, and it fits and turns, but still can’t open. What to do?

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Claire,
      Thanks for reaching out – that is a puzzle, indeed! I would go to a local vintage shop owner to get furniture restoration firm recommendations. You’ll want someone sensitive to (and trustworthy with) vintage pieces to inspect it and see if they can get the stubborn chest to open. Best of luck!

      Reply ↓
  • Olivia

    I sent you pictures of my cedar chest I got for 5$. It’s style number is 2120 and serial number is 544190. I emailed you pictures from my iPhone. But my gmail is oliviaandrews417@gmail.com. We’re currently restoring it to make my kids a toy box. Any info would be appreciated.

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Olivia – what a fun project! Based on the serial number, your chest was manufactured in September of 1945 and was most likely a treat for a war-time bride. If I find any info regarding the collection name I’ll be in touch. Enjoy!

      Reply ↓
  • Denise Connor

    Looking for info on Stye#276052 Serial#257514C Non traditional shape and wondering if this was designed as a “hope” chest?

    Reply ↓
  • Courtney Andrews

    Hello! I am trying to figure out the value of the hope chest my mother gave me . It’s from 1980 I believe with style number 2787 15.
    I cannot find it any where on the internet . It’s in perfect condition

    Reply ↓
      • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

        Hi Courtney,
        Thanks for the note – unfortunately we don’t offer appraisals. Based on serial number the manufacturing date appears to be August of 1980, but you’ll want to confirm the aesthetic matches the era. I would recommend finding comparable pieces on Etsy/Ebay to give you a baseline and then take pictures to a local antique mall to gather local market value. They can also see the piece in person if need be for further assessment. Enjoy!

        Reply ↓
  • Jessica

    I was give a chest from my Aunt that originally belonged to her mother.

    Style NO. 44486
    Serial NO. 111132

    It’s possible a number may be faded after the 2.

    How do I figure out what year it was made?

    Reply ↓
  • Harvey Hendershot

    Serial number 733020
    Style number 481398
    Can you tell me about it? I just purchased it. Its worth?

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Harvey,
      Thanks for reaching out! The serial number indicates a manufacturing date of 1937 – however Lane wasn’t mass-producing furniture pieces at this time. Is this a cedar chest? Unfortunately we don’t offer appraisals, but here’s a good way to determine value: find a comparable piece on Etsy/Ebay to give yourself a baseline, then with photos in hand, reach out to local vintage shop owners (antique malls are a great one-stop shop for this). Between their view of local resale value & the internet information, you can get a more dialed-in figure. Enjoy!

      Reply ↓
  • Diane J

    Hi. Great website! My mother is 85 & has her original Lane cedar chest. The style no is 9543 and the ser no is 102953. She said she received it as a gift from her parents either in 1950 or 1953. Most ser nos are printed out backwards, but this one seems to be forwards -why? (Was purchased at a furniture store in Niagara Falls, Canada.) Thanks. Also wondering if you could add a photo to each of the entries, in the chart above, with the 1950 styles??

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Diane,
      Thanks for reaching out – sounds like a lovely cedar chest! I’m not sure why the number is printed in order – perhaps because it was sold in Canada, not the US? Not 100% sure – but it sounds like a great family treasure. Thanks for the tips on photos – finding Lane information can be a bit of a challenge (as you know!) Hoping to add more articles to the site in the future… Take care!

      Reply ↓
  • Diana Long

    i am trying to find out the color on my lane cedar chest. The model is 03079 and the serial # is 450160. Any help you can give me would be appreciated

    Reply ↓
  • Darold S. Kemp

    I have come in possession of a Lane Hope chest, serial no. 051430, which is March 14, 1950, style no. 44596. I would like to know about the style, I can’t find anything anywhere. I will try to send pictures. Thank you. Darold

    Reply ↓
  • Ernest

    Hi Dawn, I just picked up a painted Lane chest. Style no. 481756 SN 040101. I understand this to be a 40 model. The inside tray has 3 pockets and rounded corners also the base is missing so I’ll need to create one. Do you have any info on the rounded corners on the tray and the base possibly having a drawer in the center. TIA.

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Ernest,
      Thanks for reaching out – yes, this piece (based on the numbers) would be from 1940. The trays had rounded corners for ease of fitting within the chest itself. Regarding the base, your best bet will be to talk with vintage shop owners to get a recommendation for a furniture restoration firm. They can give you some advice on how best to restore this in an age-appropriate way. Enjoy!

      Reply ↓
  • Mandy Wickham

    I obtained a gorgeous chest but cant find any info about it anywhere. It is Lane Style #292961 serial #28751. Any info you may have would be great. Thanks

    Reply ↓
  • Stacey

    Hoping you can help me find information on my hope chest as well. Style number 3969 08
    Serial number 2485111. Still has all its tags including price tag!

    Reply ↓
  • Debbie Mcfadden

    My mom past away in May 2018. I have her Lane Hope Chest the style #9385 82 and serial #2075130. I cannot find out what year it was made can you help.Value would be nice but not important since it will be past down to my first grand daughter.

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Debbie – Thanks for reaching out and I’m sorry to hear about your mom. The hope chest sounds lovely – manufacturing date appears to be March 15, 1970. Unfortunately, we don’t do appraisals, but a quick search on Etsy/Ebay for other hope chests from the same time period will give you a rough baseline. Enjoy your family heirloom and take care!

      Reply ↓
  • richard miller

    I HAVE AN LANE CEDAR CHEST, MODEL 7640X, SERIAL NUMBER 102330, IT A LOCKING TYPE, ON COSTER WHEELS, COULD YOU TELL ME THE AGE

    Reply ↓
  • ROSEMARY F & ANDREW F NICOLELLA

    I have a very unique Lane chest. The style # is 48906, but I can’t find a serial #. Can you help. I will send you pictures.

    Reply ↓
  • randy withrow

    Have a Lane cedar chest, stamp says AltaVista. Style # 5444, has round legs, approx. 3″ long. No serial number. Has the moth guarantee label on upper left hand corner inside lid. the style number is also on this label.

    Reply ↓
  • randy withrow

    im goofy. just sent info on my chest style 5444.failed to ask my question . looking to get approx. age. im thinking 30s

    Reply ↓
  • Kenneth Moore

    I have a Lane cedar/hope chest
    Style 3029
    SN 453190
    I see this is a 1954 build
    but I have no idea of the style
    it looks to be Honduras Mahogany
    it is missing some edge veneer and the inside hardware is bent. I am looking at refinishing this piece and would like to find original replacement furniture
    Any help would be greatly appreciated
    thank you
    Ken

    Reply ↓
  • Chad Myers

    Hi Everyone, I stumbled onto a furniture store that is going out of business today. I picked up a really cool Lane chest. Style No. 2605-3 and Serial No. 159020. It’s a very light color, almost blonde.
    Does anyone have any info on the style number?

    Reply ↓
  • Elaine

    I have a lane cedar chest I just purchased the serial no.2185170 style no.4662 70. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply ↓
  • deborah

    I have a lane cedar chest serial No 2375160 Style No 2715-23

    I was told that Lane will provide a new lock as the old one is still on it.

    is there any $ value to the chest –

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Deborah – thanks for reaching out. We don’t offer appraisals on pieces. What I recommend: find comparable pieces on Etsy/eBay for a baseline & let local vintage shop owners validate with the local market value. Based on your serial number, this cedar chest was made in 1973. Lane’s customer service is pretty responsive & you can contact them here: https://www.lanefurniture.com/page/contact-us

      Reply ↓
  • Karen

    Hi Becky

    I picked up a quilted top chest style #3965-01 serial # 2775170 do you know what year this is from? Thanks

    Reply ↓
  • Laura

    Hi Becky
    After alot of google searching I came across this post. I inherited a lane model 2644-3M with a date of 4/26/51. The outside is a little rough and I am hoping to spruce it up but I cant find any images of what it is supposed to look like. It seems there are so many different kinds. Can you help?

    Reply ↓
  • Cheryl

    Hello,

    I have a Lane Cedar Chest that was my mothers that desperately needs to be refinished. I am trying to research this piece of furniture but I cannot find a serial number anywhere on it. I have a list of patent numbers.

    Can you help me figure this out?

    Thank you!

    Reply ↓
  • Emi

    Hi!
    My mom talked me into buying an old chest she spotted at VV and it’s a Lane! The serial is 022050. The shelf is broken and there was no key with it. Any suggestions about getting a replacement key or should I just replace the lock? Thanks!

    Reply ↓
  • Rebecca H

    Hi, I got a Lane Chest Serial number 098029 Style No. 2536 when my grandma passed away in 1995. It’s a smaller chest and had been stored in her barn for years and needed lots of TLC. I’m in the process of restoring it and would like to know how old it is.
    Thanks!

    Reply ↓
  • Danielle M

    I have a lane cedar chest with a style number 2188-51 and serial number 462209. I know you read the serial number backwards to tell the age, but I’m confused in this one. Can you please help? Thanks!

    Reply ↓
  • Elizabeth Stephens

    I purchased a cedar hope chest I was told it is a waterfall design the number on the bottom is 10145

    Reply ↓
  • Tim

    Hoping to find some information on my mother’s Lane cedar chest. The serial # is 151150. I believe that makes it a 1951. The style # is 2591-3m. I can’t find anything online with that style number.

    Reply ↓
  • Steve Ullmann

    Hi, just emailed photos of my Lane cedar chest. Not sure of the date. On the bottom of the chest is a stamp the reads “LE NO. 48520. Any info would be very much appreciated.

    Reply ↓
  • Steve Ullmann

    I just figured out the STY
    of the word STYLE must be missing from the painted stamp on the bottom of the chest.

    Reply ↓
  • Gina

    I’m trying to get some info on the chest I was left by my grandmother. The bottom has a stamp that says Style No. 1344 S.R. No other stamps on imprints except for the Lane imprint in the lid.

    Reply ↓
  • Jason phelps

    I have a lane chest with SN 2965120, and a style # 2172-74, canyon find any info on it, any help would be app TIA

    Reply ↓
  • Beth

    I’m looking for any information for my Lane cedar chest model 1898-64, serial number 185121. I’ve been unable to locate any photos, etc.

    Thank you!

    Reply ↓
  • kathy Hahn

    My daughter just bought a Lane chest with padding on top. It is style 2495-23.What can you tell me about this chest?

    Reply ↓
  • Diane Wilaby

    I’d like to be able to identify the key number for a Lane Cedar Chest Style number 2691-3
    Serial number 152201
    it is currently locked and the key has been misplaced so I’d like to get a new key.

    Reply ↓
  • Kathleen Godwin

    I have a very old Lane Standard chest with no serial number, just a style number that ends in 00. I was told Lane only used the “Lane Standard” label for a short time – can yu help me with the dates this label was used? thank you!!

    Reply ↓
  • Grant

    I have a Lane Chest, Made in Canada by Knechtels. I have read on other sites about how to decipher the serial number but mine makes no sense – 082558. It does not have a safety lock.

    Reply ↓
  • Gloria Van Spanckeren

    I have a very old chest clearly marked Lane on the inside, but the serial number on the bottom doesn’t help me figure out the mfg. date. It says “No. 48540” . I’ve owned it for 50 years and it was my great-aunt’s before that. Hope you can help!

    Reply ↓
  • Jamie Hecker

    My wife inherited a beautiful Lane hope chest, Style 2525-M, SN 054180, with water damage along the bottom. I would like to replace the damaged veneer with some of the same type. What is the type of finish on this gorgeous piece?

    Reply ↓
  • Brittany

    I was cleaning out my attic and came across a chest made by lane and was trying to find out what one it is since some of the numbers are no longer able to see but haven’t had any luck and don’t know where else to look. It’s made of cedar and still have the tags attached to the inside. I am not sure if someone can stir me in the right direction?

    Reply ↓
  • Jennifer

    I need help. My lane ceder chest is marked 121031 which I thought ment 13 01 21 but would make no sense as there is no month 13. I can’t find anything about this..

    Reply ↓
  • Eric

    I recently purchased a chest, serial # 2185180, style # 470199. I am trying to determine if this chest has been altered from the original design. I couldn’t find any chest with a similar design. Could you send pictures of this style as originally designed and it’s original purchased price?

    Reply ↓
  • Mike Q

    Hello, I have a Lane cedar chest. Model 02208, serial 842240. Can you tell me anything about it? I would love to restore it to original condition. Thanks!

    Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Mike! Thanks for reaching out – your chest was made in April of 1948, per the serial number. And if you’d like to get advice on restoration – I would recommend reaching out to vintage shop owners, they will have recommendations for furniture restoration experts who can answer any questions you may have. Enjoy!

      Reply ↓
    • Becky Oeltjenbruns Post author

      Hi Toyi,
      Thanks for reaching out! If you could please send along some photos we’ll dig in (editor@causeafrockus.com). Usually the serial number reads YYDDMM, so we’ll have to take a peek at the marking & the overall chest design itself. Cheers!

      Reply ↓
  • Bruce Gleason

    Hi Becky, thank you for all of this good information. You may have addressed this already, but I’m wondering about model numbers that conclude with “M.” Does this stand for “Modern”? I have my mother’s 2525M.

    Reply ↓
  • Eileen

    Hi! I found this beautiful lane chest series #070727 style # 48733, all the posts I’ve read said read backwards but doesn’t appear to be in this case. Can you help me?

    Reply ↓

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