From what I have learned regarding Lane Hope Chests, the date is actually the serial number written backwards. Having said that, the serial number is written; 112220. So to read this the way I have understood it, would be 02 (Feb.) 22, 1911. I have owned it since before 1996.
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When asking questions it is usually a good idea to also post a picture of the markings as well as the inside.
I assume from your question that you are just interested in finding out if what you relate as the serial number could be correct since all records show that Lane actually stated in 1912.
I thought perhaps they started building in a shed or something before opening the plant but that does not appear to be the case.
I cannot find any records that show Lane made anything before 1912. History of the company states the building was purchased in 1912 and machinery was purchased after that so I cannot see how the 1911 date could be correct.
There is a Virginia Museum of History & Culture that has some information about the Lane company but it appears they only provide a phone number for contact but if you have not tried this then it is one step to try.
Contact us
Call 804.340.1800 or 800.358.8701
This comment was also made in their history which seems to be saying the first chests were more or less 'poorly made'.
"During these early years the firm's growth was restricted by elementary manufacturing methods, difficulty in securing financing, and a crude finished product."
There is a book on the company history that you may be able to order from your local library (too expensive to buy):
This may have more about the years before 1912.
Lane Company Records, 1907-2003.
I'm not sure if you can obtain information from this site but maybe..
www.lanefurniture.com/
Just in case you're interested, this site seems to have the most information about the Lane company.
www.fundinguniverse.com/
ThriftyFun has information also:
www.thriftyfun.com/
You do not mention value in your post so if you're interested in value you can add that request or start a new question.
A picture may help and possibly add a picture of the inside (it's okay if it has personal items (like linens/clothes) inside.
I was able to capture the serial number, it was very faint, my son was able to enhance it to make it more legible. So it appears that what I thought was a zero is quite possibly a 9. Which changes everything.
The revised numbers make much more sense! I went through all of the 1921 and 1922 newspapers to see if I could find a match, but they don't picture all of the models. I wonder if it meets any of the measurements of those listed in this screen shot. I apologize it is going to be small. Hopefully you can make out the numbers.
It is a beautiful piece!
Thank you so much information. I will look into all of these. When I get home from work, I will try to take a photo of the serial number to add to this posting.
By the serial number of Lane cedar chests, you can determine the production date. You need to read the serial number backwards (from right to left). This is written on the Lane website. Without a serial number, Lane cannot determine a production date.
The serial number of your Lane chest 112229 means the production date: September (last digit 9) / 22 (day) / 1921 (year). The digit 1 - the plant location.
i just purchased a Lane Cedar chest very similar to the first one on your site. It has the serial #112030, which would also put it around 1911. Don't know if this helps any. I would like to know the value.
I bought a Lane cedar chest around 1996 at an auction. I have moved several times and just recently went thru burst pipes in the ceiling. My chest took a direct hit with the water and stood in wet carpet. I oiled it and it looks brand new. All items inside were dry. All water spots that were on it from this are gone. I am 68 years old and wanted yall to know how great this is.
The date is a mystery. Is it possible some of the numbers rubbed away?
I found two that are very close from the 1929 and 1930 newspaper advertisements. They are not exact, but close. Back then they called this style a console style. Later they often referred to the top opening pieces on legs as lowboys (ironic because the legs made them higher). Lane made some sideboards, however, I believe they opened from the front, not the top--but I would need to confirm that with a photo or brochure--and I haven't been able to find what I am looking for to do that.
Is it possible that someone altered them to make them more fashionable at one point? Just curious what history you garnered upon receipt in 1996. The refinishing looks stellar! I get anxious when I hear refinishing because often people ruin pieces when they try to refinish, but your piece is lovely! The color is gorgeous!
If you have before photos, I would love to see those!
I am going to keep digging. Just wanted to get these details out while they are on my mind.
Looking forward to seeing the numbers.
Thanks!
Yes, before 1996 it was at my grandparents home. I do not believe any alterations have or had been done. It was in their attic and trust me it looked like it had been there a hundred years or more. I think I have a photo of after I had cleaned it, but before refinishing it. Ill try to add it.
I did learn from another post to check out other resources, and it could be that the date is actually 02/2/21 with the last number 1 being the plant number. Which would make more sense.
I think the date is actually 2/2/1921, and the extra 1 is the manufacturing plant. Mine is 2075170 So it would be 7/1/1957 plant #2.
According to the serial number, it is really 1911. Maybe this is not a chest, but part of a buffet.
I would contact the Lane Company. This is their website. www.lanefurniture.com/
I believe it is a buffet/side table because the legs are quite tall on it. These are fairly similar to yours:
www.etsy.com/
www.etsy.com/
Some Lane cedar chests:
www.google.com/
Thank you, I plan on adding some additional photos to help others help me. I do have a photo of the logo on the inside lid. The chest is Cedar lined.
This is a beautiful piece. I am curious if it is in fact from 1911 but apparently they were not begun till 1912. Is there anyway this was a prototype model before the chests came out?
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