How to Unlock a Lane Cedar Chest
- Safety Issues. If you own a Lane cedar chest built prior to 1987 and it has its original lock, contact Lane Furniture with your serial number to get a replacement ...
- Bump the Lock. Use a bump key to open the chest. ...
- Hinge Removal. Remove the hinge screws from the top side on the back of the chest. Older piano-style hinges usually have many small Phillips screws.
- Key Matching. Some antique stores have boxes full of old keys that were sometimes generically manufactured with serial numbers that might match your chest.
- Locksmith Option. Nobody can open your chest faster than a professional locksmith. The cost should average between $75 to $150, but it's one way to get the chest open.
Do your cedar chest locks need replacing?
To prevent another tragedy, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Lane are urging consumers to check their "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests. The brand name "Lane" or "Virginia Maid" is located inside the cedar chest. If the lid latches shut without depressing a button on the outside of the chest, the lock needs to be replaced.
How do you open a cedar chest without a key?
You can open the chest without the key by removing the lock. Lane cedar chests have a safety problem on chests built before 1987. The locks on these chests automatically engage when the lid shuts, which can trap small children inside. This safety issue generated a recall on the locks of 12 million chests built...
Are there any recalls on Lane cedar chests?
In 1996, Lane Furniture Industries recalled 12 million of their cedar chests to retrofit them with safety locks. In March 2000, they instituted the free lock replacement program. The company states that every “Lane” or “Virginia Maid” chest made between 1912 and 1987 needs a replacement lock.
Is my Lane cedar chest safe?
All Lane cedar chests manufactured after 1987 have been equipped with the upgraded safe lock mechanism. Should your cedar chest have the older mechanism, Lane will supply a replacement at no cost. We encourage you to contact us immediately if you should need further information on the safety of your cedar chest built between 1912–1987.
How do you remove a lock from a lane on a cedar chest?
Use a bump key to open the chest. A bump keep will more than likely break the lock in the process, but the chest will be open and you can replace the lock with a new one. Start by inserting a similar key into the lock as far as possible, and then pull back on it by one click or notch.
Can you get a replacement key for a Lane cedar chest?
Consumers should have the chest's serial and style numbers, which are branded on the outside bottom or outside back of the chest, available when contacting Lane. To order your replacement kit, contact Heritage Home Group at 800-327-6944, by email at by email at [email protected], or on-line.
Are Lane cedar chests valuable?
Old Lane cedar chests sell from $100 to about $700 depending on the age, condition and whether the hardware is original. Most are worth about $200 to $400.
Is Lane cedar chest still in business?
The last Lane cedar chest to be manufactured in the United States rolled off the production line in the summer of 2001, and the plant closed for good.
Why did Lane stop making cedar chests?
Product Safety Advisory – Lane Cedar Chests After safety issues exposed the (old) latch configuration's fault, a new, safe lock mechanism with the ability to open from inside the chest was implemented and the former lock styles were removed from the Lane manufacturing process.
Are lane chests recalled?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to immediately replace or remove the latch and lock on recalled “Lane” and “Virginia Maid” brand cedar chests. The cedar chests were recalled because the chest's lid automatically locks when the lid is closed.
How much is a Lane cedar chest from 1947 worth?
Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests -- based on their age, condition or rarity -- starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.
How do I tell how old my Lane cedar chest is?
0:141:09How Old is My Lane Cedar Chest? I tell you how! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo usually Lane cedar chests have a style number or a serial number it's usually located on theMoreSo usually Lane cedar chests have a style number or a serial number it's usually located on the bottom of the chest or on the inside lid. Sometimes even on the back of the Lane cedar chest. So what
What kind of wood are Lane chests made of?
Oldie But Goodie: Traditional Chests The company used a variety of exterior woods such as cherry, maple and walnut, and often included detailed carvings on the chest's exterior.
How do you date Lane furniture?
Usually Lane cedar chests have serial numbers that are stamped or applied to the bottom of the chests. You can read the serial number BACKWARDS to determine the production date. For example: serial number 753150 would have been produced on 05/13/57.
What can I do with an old cedar chest?
18 Fantastic and Creative Ways Uses for a Cedar ChestCoffee table. Coffee tables provide the perfect spot to rest your cup of Joe while relaxing after a long day. ... Nightstand for a Bedroom. Nightstands are ever so handy! ... TV Console. ... End of the Bed. ... Entry Way. ... A Catch-all – Organization Space. ... Resilient Storage. ... Window Seat.More items...•
Can photos be stored in a cedar chest?
It's OK to put photos in the chest as long as they are stored in an archival box with acid-free paper. Don't let the photos touch the wood itself, as it's acidic and could ruin the photos. The cedar chest needs to be stored in an area where there is no direct heat or moisture, which means not in the attic or basement.
Where is the serial number on a Lane cedar chest?
Locate the serial number usually printed on the bottom of the chest. One antique-lovers' site suggests that the exact date on a Lane chest can always be determined by reversing the three pairs of numbers that comprise the 6-digit serial number.
How do you pick a chest lock?
1:373:25How to Open an Old Vintage Antique Trunk or Chest Lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut the way that I found to to circumvent this at the simple lock is to take a flathead screwdriver.MoreBut the way that I found to to circumvent this at the simple lock is to take a flathead screwdriver. And push it on an angle like this so I'm gonna get as tight as I can here. An angle like this.
When was the Lane cedar chest made?
This Lane cedar chest dates back to 1955. All “Lane” or “Virginia Maid” chests made between 1912 and 1987 needs a replacement lock.
Who is the furniture detective for Lane cedar chests?
A recent letter from a reader prompts Furniture Detective Fred Taylor to share a potentially life-saving reminder involving replacement of locks on Lane cedar chests.
When did Lane Furniture Industries recall cedar chests?
In 1996 , Lane Furniture Industries recalled 12 million of their cedar chests to retrofit them with safety locks. In March 2000, they instituted the free lock replacement program. The company states that every “Lane” or “Virginia Maid” chest made between 1912 and 1987 needs a replacement lock.
How to remove rust from a talons?
Using a good brand of masking tape, tape off the glass balls as best you can around the talons. Use two layers of tape if you have time. Then use a wire wheel attached to your drill to carefully remove the rust and burnish the metal.
How many locks have been replaced on a cedar chest?
The company has indicated that while six million locks have been replaced to date, six million more chests require the new lock to keep children from getting locked inside the chest and suffocating.
When were Lane cedar chests recalled?
This safety issue generated a recall on the locks of 12 million chests built from the company's inception in 1912 through 1987. Advertisement.
How many screws do you need to remove a lock?
You might need a flashlight to see, but the back of the lock should only have three screws you can remove with a screwdriver, or the body of the lock may be mortised into the chest.
How to open a chest faster?
If you don't want to spend that amount of money, visit the locksmith's shop. The locksmith should know what type of key you need and can equip you with a similar key blank. Color the key with black marker, insert it into the lock and wiggle it around to produce marks or scratches on the blank. Use a hacksaw or file to shape the new key as needed or return the blank to the locksmith where he can cut it for you.
How much does it cost to open a chest?
The cost should average between $75 to $150, but it's one way to get the chest open. If you don't want to spend that amount of money, visit the locksmith's shop. The locksmith should know what type of key you need and can equip you with a similar key blank.
Where is the serial number on a Lane chest?
Even if it breaks the lock, the chest will be open. Sometimes the serial number was imprinted on the back or bottom of Lane chests or accompanying paper work, if you still have it.
Can you open a locked chest if it breaks?
Some antique stores have boxes full of old keys that were sometimes generically manufactured with serial numbers that might match your chest. One of them might fit the lock or fit close enough to open it. Even if it breaks the lock, the chest will be open. Sometimes the serial number was imprinted on the back or bottom of Lane chests or accompanying paper work, if you still have it.
How many cedar chests have no safety locks?
But, although several people took out the locks, it is estimated that over 6 million of the 12 million cedar chests produced within that timeframe still did not safety locks installed. Thus, the market value of an antique cedar chest without a safety lock would be higher as it shows an earlier manufactured design.
How to tell if a cedar chest is original?
One of the first sign that gives a clue to the originality of your antique cedar chest is the physical signature of the manufacturer. Antique cedar chests were produced by virtually every furniture maker. As such, there were physical signatures, engravings or trademarks to aid identification.
How much is an antique cedar chest worth?
Generally, antique cedar chest can value at $99 to an average of $300-$400. For rare and decorative chests, the price can go as high as $700 if it still holds its original hardwares and is in pristine condition. However, to get the precise value of your antique cedar chest and ease the hasle of self-evaluation, you can seek the services of an expert appraiser
What style of chests did Lane manufacture?
The lane company manufactured cedar chests in the Chippendale and Art Deco style (between the 1930s – 1940s). These chests had embellished woods with striking geometric shapes in inlay regions. Some had hinged shelving boxes inside the chest for storing items. If you possess a Chippendale-styled antique cedar chest, you will notice its distinct ornate carvings and ball-and-claw feet.
What style of cedar chests are Chippendale?
If you possess a Chippendale-styled antique cedar chest, you will notice its distinct ornate carvings and ball-and-claw feet. They produced antique cedar chests in Mid Century and Danish Modern styles (the mid-1940s – late 1960s). These chests’ aesthetics were cleaner and possessed angular feet.
What were the safety locks on chests?
Safety locks. Chests that were produced before the late 1980s had a unique feature. They included locks that could catch and lock automatically when the lid shuts. Sadly, this led to the accidental entrapment and tragic death of some children who got shut inside the chest and suffocated.
Why were cedar chests popular?
However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, cedar chests were popularized because of their ability to repel insects and moths from beddings.
How many cedar chests did John Lane make?
We would like Lane cedar chest owners to be aware of the following product safety advisory: From the time John Lane’s company began manufacturing cedar chests in 1912 through 1987, Lane sold an estimated 12 million cedar chests.
When was the cedar chest built?
We encourage you to contact us immediately if you should need further information on the safety of your cedar chest built between 1912–1987. It is our recommendation that you immediately remove the cedar chest lock until we process your request, and if needed, supply a replacement mechanism.
How many chests are there in Lane?
However, based on our best records, there are still an estimated 6 million chests owned by consumers that may require the new lock upgrade.
