The Royal Resurgence: 7 Shocking Facts About Your Lane Princess Cedar Chest (Value, Dating, & The Critical Safety Warning)
The Lane Princess Cedar Chest is far more than just a piece of vintage furniture; it is a tangible piece of American history, a symbol of hope, and, critically, an item tied to a major consumer safety alert. As of late December 2025, the market for these iconic cedar chests remains strong, particularly for well-preserved Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco styles, with specific models like the 'Princess' commanding significant attention from collectors and interior designers alike. The enduring appeal lies in the chest's beautiful craftsmanship and the nostalgic tradition of the "hope chest" it represents.
However, owning one of these beautiful pieces requires an understanding of its history, especially the crucial safety recall that affects millions of chests manufactured over decades. This guide provides the most current information on dating your chest, determining its value, and ensuring it is safe for your home, focusing specifically on the highly sought-after Princess line.
The Royal Lineage: Biography of the Lane Princess Cedar Chest
The Lane Furniture Company, founded in 1912 by John Edward Lane after purchasing a small box company in Altavista, Virginia, quickly became synonymous with the cedar hope chest. The cedar chest was the cornerstone of the company's success. The "Princess" model line represents a specific and popular series within Lane’s vast catalog, primarily flourishing during the post-war era and the height of the Mid-Century Modern movement.
- Parent Company: The Lane Company, Inc. (Later Lane Home Furniture)
- Founding Location: Altavista, Virginia
- Product Category: Cedar Chest, Hope Chest, Storage Chest
- Key Design Eras: Art Deco (earlier models), Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s)
- Princess Model Key Features: Large capacity, cedar-lined interior, often designed to double as a bench or low console, and featured the famous Aroma-Tite construction.
- Notable Variations: The "Princess Elane" (advertised in 1957) and various Mid-Century styles featuring walnut or mahogany finishes and clean lines.
- Production Span: The broader line of cedar chests was produced from 1912 to 1987, with the Princess model being a key offering during the mid-20th century.
The Princess Cedar Chest was marketed heavily to young women as a place to store linens and items for their future married life—a true "hope chest." Its design evolved with American tastes, moving from the ornate Waterfall styles of the 1930s and 40s to the sleek, minimalist designs of the 1950s and 60s, which remain highly collectible today.
Fact 1: The Critical Safety Recall You Must Address Immediately
This is the most important piece of information for any Lane Cedar Chest owner. The vast majority of Lane cedar chests manufactured between 1912 and 1987, including the Princess models, were recalled due to a serious safety hazard.
The Danger of the Automatic Locking Latch
The recall, first issued in 1996 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), involves approximately 12 million chests that feature an automatic locking latch. This latch is designed to lock automatically when the lid is closed, preventing a child who climbs inside from escaping. Tragically, this flaw has been linked to several suffocation deaths of children over the years.
Action Required:
- If your Lane or Virginia Maid chest was made between 1912 and 1987, you must remove the latch immediately.
- Lane Home Furniture and the CPSC urge consumers to contact the company to receive a free, permanent replacement safety lock.
Do not wait to address this issue. Removing the latch is a simple, life-saving measure that preserves the chest's beauty while eliminating the risk.
Fact 2: How to Instantly Date Your Princess Chest (The Reverse Serial Number Trick)
One of the most fascinating features of the Lane Cedar Chest is the unique way the company encoded the manufacturing date into the serial number. Unlike most furniture, you read the serial number backward to find the date.
The Lane Reverse Dating Method
To determine the exact production date of your Princess Cedar Chest, look for the serial number, which is typically stamped on the bottom of the chest. The number is read from right to left, revealing the year, month, and day it was made.
Example:
- If your serial number is 2865150 (read backward):
- The year is 05 (1950s or 1960s, depending on the full number).
- The month is 15 (This is a common variation where the last two digits are the year, and the rest are the date—it often requires a little interpretation, but the principle is right-to-left).
- A clearer example: A serial number of 711250 would be read as 05/21/17 (May 21, 1917, or 1957, depending on the context). The last two digits are typically the year.
The first digit (reading forward) is often the factory number, and the remaining digits, when reversed, give the date. Knowing this date is crucial for both valuation and for determining if your chest falls under the 1912–1987 recall period.
Fact 3: Current Market Value and Collectibility in 2025
The value of a Lane Princess Cedar Chest in late 2025 is highly variable, depending on condition, style, and rarity. While some mass-produced, later-generation chests may fetch $60–$500, earlier, rarer, or exceptionally well-preserved models can command prices up to $3,000 or more.
What Determines the Princess Chest's Value?
1. Style and Era:
- Mid-Century Modern (1950s–1960s): These are currently the most sought-after. Models with clean lines, tapered legs, and a walnut or oak finish (like the Princess often featured) are highly desirable and can sell in the $350–$800 range, with specific pieces listed for $553.35 in the September-November 2025 market.
- Waterfall/Art Deco (1930s–1940s): These earlier styles, often featuring curved tops and ornate veneers, also have a dedicated collector base.
2. Condition and Features:
- Original Finish: Original, unrestored condition with minimal scratches and wear adds value.
- Aroma-Tite Seal: The integrity of the cedar lining and the "Aroma-Tite" pressure-tested seal is a key selling point, as it confirms the chest's ability to protect contents from moths and insects.
- Dimensions: Larger, full-sized chests (e.g., 53 inches long) generally command a higher price than smaller, miniature, or jewelry-style chests.
3. Provenance:
Chests with a documented history, original paperwork, or original keys (especially if the lock has been replaced with the safety lock) can increase their appeal at auction. Auctions in May 2025 show continued interest in the Lane Princess Cedar Chest, confirming its status as a consistently valued antique.
The Lane Princess Cedar Chest is a cherished heirloom that seamlessly blends function with history. By understanding its dating method, appreciating its unique style, and, most importantly, addressing the critical safety recall, you can ensure your piece of furniture is not only valuable but also safe for generations to come.
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