Generally speaking, an antique cedar chest may value, somewhere between $99 to $400. However, if you deal with rare and unique models, the price can range higher than $700. This is especially true if the cedar chest comes with the original hardwares and is in excellent condition.
Full Answer
How to find an antique appraiser?
What is an invaluable auction?
What is wholesale value?
What is fair market value?
Do you list antique furniture separately?
How do I find the value of an old trunk?
After determining the size, style, condition and decorative nature, search for other trunks similar to yours that have sold recently. Go to eBay.com and do an advanced search for "antique trunk" and check the option box marked "sold listings." Then view the sold listings in order to come up with a value for your trunk.
What are old trunks made out of?
They were usually made of pine and covered in decorative material or leather. Some of the more recognizable styles of trunks include the Jenny Lind, Saratoga, steamer, barrel-top (also known as "Camelback Trunks"), and full dresser trunks.
Why do old trunks have rounded tops?
The curved top not only offered a little more storage space, it meant that when traveling it had to be placed on the top of the stack, and not the bottom, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage. What's it Worth? Whether flat-top or dome-top, many people love their trunks.
Why is it called a steamer trunk?
Cabin trunks, which are sometimes called "true" steamer trunks, were the equivalent of today's carry-on luggage. They were low-profiled and small enough to fit under the berths of trains or in the cabin of a steamer, hence their name.
Are old trunks worth money?
The value of antique trunks differs based on the brand and how well it holds up over the years. In most cases, an old steamer trunk value would be about $100 to $200 but can go up to $750 if well refurbished.
What's the difference between a trunk and a chest?
While designs and sizes are similar, chests are furniture, meant to remain within a structure. Chests were primarily used for storage and depending on the owner's wealth they could be ornately decorated. Trunks were designed for storage as well but were constructed to handle the hazards of travel.
What can you do with an old trunk?
You've Got to See These Old Trunks That Are Totally Perfect as Something else ...1 Make a Comfy Bench with Pillows. ... 2 Create a Totally Unique Fridge. ... 3 Perfect for a Guest Bedroom. ... 4 Turn a Trunk into a Low Table. ... 5 Amazing Work of Art. ... 6 Old Trunks Make Great Beach Cottage Tables. ... 7 Make a Fun New Night Stand.More items...
How do you clean an old trunk?
Vacuum the inside and outside of your antique trunk. ... Wash wooden antique trunks and leather handles or decorations with a mixture of warm water and three capfuls of saddle soap in a bucket. ... Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle.More items...
What can I do with a steamer trunk?
Protect the top of a leather or very old wooden trunk with a sheet of glass or a metal tray to avoid water rings and provide stability to glassware or decorative objects. The generous space inside of a coffee table-sized steamer trunk works to store clothes or bedding and pillows for occasional couch surfers.
How do you get the musty smell out of a steamer trunk?
Here's a method I use to lighten up old trunk odor:Vacuum the interior carefully and then set it outside in direct sunlight for a day.Wad up newspapers and fill the interior with them. ... Next, spread out fresh newspapers. ... Repeat these steps until the smell has lessened.More items...•
How much does a steamer trunk weigh?
Some steamer trunks could weigh up to 100 pounds alone! They were often covered with animal hide, plain or decorative tin, paper, canvas, and held together with a variety of hardware or wood slats.
How do you refurbish an old trunk?
2:468:02DIY: Refinishing An Antique Trunk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step was tearing out all of the old canvas. And then after that we sanded down the insideMoreThe first step was tearing out all of the old canvas. And then after that we sanded down the inside of the trunk and applied a polyurethane to seal during this filming I was not wearing gloves.
How do you restore an old trunk?
2:468:02DIY: Refinishing An Antique Trunk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step was tearing out all of the old canvas. And then after that we sanded down the insideMoreThe first step was tearing out all of the old canvas. And then after that we sanded down the inside of the trunk and applied a polyurethane to seal during this filming I was not wearing gloves.
How are steamer trunks made?
Typically, the body of a steamer trunk is made from thick wood or metal, and it is often strapped with metal or leather bands to ensure that it is extremely sturdy. A frame of metal or wood may be enclosed inside the steamer trunk so that it can endure heavy impacts and the weight of luggage stacked on top of it.
How do you clean an old trunk?
Vacuum the inside and outside of your antique trunk. ... Wash wooden antique trunks and leather handles or decorations with a mixture of warm water and three capfuls of saddle soap in a bucket. ... Clean metal antique trunks with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle.More items...
How do you clean an old canvas trunk?
The best way to do this is by cleaning the canvas as much as possible - usually by dry brushing it as much as possible, then by gently dabbing at it with a damp sponge. Get as much dirt off as possible.
How Can You Tell If a Chest is Antique?
There are a few ways to tell if a chest is antique … – Signs of wear: if an item shows zero scuff marks or aged patina, it’s time to be suspicious – Metals: Electroplated metals existed in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the technological advances around the world wars that it was able to be mass-produced, so solid metals like brass or cast iron are typical of antiques until the mid-20th century – Styles: This isn’t quite as helpful for chests, admittedly, as there’s not much inventing to be done about a lidded box, however there were trends throughout history that can help identify timing (for instance, waterfall cedar chests in the mid-20th century)..
5. Brass-Bound Wood
A long wooden chest bound with brass straps & clasp; this chest is in fine condition for its age! The interior is unstained and clean, ready for display and/or storage.
8. Vermont Sponge-Painting
A pine chest made in Vermont; this piece still retains signs of its original sponge painting job. It has acquired an aged patina over time but remains sturdy and functional. An interior compartment and pull-out drawer add storage options.
1. Wooden Flat Top
This piece has seen a bit more wear than some, but the hardware is holding strong and there are no functional inconveniences. This is a nice rustic piece for home use or display.
7. Camelback
An angle different than arched back, this camelback steamer features a lid that does resemble … a camel’s back. The chest is in good condition, it does show surface wear but the structure and hardware are sound.
2. Cosmopolis Velum and Brass
French-made velum with brass fittings, this case would have been a higher-end piece for its time. Today, it is still amazingly detailed and gorgeous. The interior and lift-out tray is lined in blue fabric.
Are Antique Chests Worth Anything?
Yes and no. Antique chests are on a sliding scale like most items. A few varieties are going to be worth quite a bit, but many antique chests are worth while for their style and storage capacity more than their financial worth.
How much is a Gladys and Belle hat worth?
This adorable hand-me-down, though not highly collectible, is still in mint condition today. What It's Worth: $50.
What was the price of the 1920s Windsor stove?
1920s Windsor Stove. This steel-and-iron Royal Windsor, manufactured on behalf of Montgomery Ward, sold for around $80 in the 1920s. Back then, the appliance served as a versatile tool, since cooks could power it using either wood or coal. Two small doors on the lower left hide the fuel chambers, a row of bun warmers grace the top of the piece, ...
What was the crazy quilt?
They began duplicating the look in quilts, using unexpected fabrics such as brocade, velvet, and silk and incorporating embroidery techniques.
How much does a Model 88 camera cost?
The Model 88's relatively reasonable price, $38.50, solidified its status as a natural pick for amateur home-movie makers.
How rare is a Singer 66?
This Singer 66 model was one of 50,000 such machines produced from 1910 to 1920. While the item is not rare, Mike Wolfe of American Pickers notes it is desired by collectors for its ornate "Red-Eye" decal pattern. If the machine were in mint condition, it would be valued at nearly $1,000.
When was the Chatterbox scrapbook published?
Circa-1880 Chatter Box Scrapbook. A children's periodical, The Chatterbox was published in Great Britain from 1866 to the mid-1950s. The popular magazine inspired imitators on this side of the pond, as American printers lifted its name for use on publications and other paper goods, like this 16-page scrapbook.
How to find out how much antiques are worth?
One of the easiest ways to find out how much your antiques might be worth is to set up an appointment with someone who specializes in appraising antiques for a living.
How to get a rough idea of what an antique is worth?
By doing something as simple as uploading a photo of an antique item to a message board, you might be able to get a rough idea of how much your item is worth.
What is Kovels Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide?
Kovels Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide is a great resource for those interested in finding out how much antiques are worth.
How to see demand for antiques?
But one of the quickest ways to see the demand for certain antiques is by scouring eBay to see if you can find similar items that have sold. With just a few clicks, you can usually see how much people have paid for items like yours in the past.
Why are items sold for less than they were worth?
You might find items that sold for much less than they were actually worth simply because the seller didn’t take the time to create a quality listing.
Can you get an antique appraised without meeting an appraiser?
While many people prefer to meet with antique appraisers in person when seeking appraisals, the internet has made it possible for people to get items appraised without ever actually meeting an appraiser.
Can an antique appraiser look at antiques?
But if you’re willing to fork over a few bucks, a professional antique appraisal won’t have any problem looking at your antiques for you and telling you what they think they’re worth.
What is an antique cedar gentleman's dresser box?
Antique Cedar Gentleman's Dresser boxUsed Antique Cedar Gentleman's Dresser boxUsed at a gentleman's dresser to keep pocket and/or grooming items in. It is made to mimic a larger cedar chest made
How many knives are in a 74-piece knife set?
Lot consists of: Twelve 8-3/4” knives; twelve 5-1/2” solid butter knives; twelve
Why are old things valued?
Religious items may not get you what you want. Old things are often valued due to scarcity. People keep religious items and pass them down for years. Also, may religious people feel uncomfortable selling a religious painting or statue, especially if it has been blessed.
How to take care of antiques?
Take proper care of your antiques and collectibles. Keep them out of harm's way. Do not attempt to refinish a piece of old or antique furniture. Part of the value of an old piece is determined by its patina, the changes that occur in the aging process.
What Is an Antique?
Many people have valuable antiques in their homes. Whether purchased or inherited, objects 100 years old or older are considered to be antiques . Of course, plenty of people call that 1940s dining room set antique, but it is not. Interesting, desirable, older objects less than 100 years old are collectibles.
How to sell antiques on eBay?
Create a buzz for the antique that you wish to sell by hawking on other sites including social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Draw interest in your product by advertising, or writing articles about antiques , featuring the types of antiques or collectibles that you wish to sell. EBay charges a listing fee as well as a commision on the final sale price. PayPal also charges a fee based on the selling price.
Why are antiques copied?
Often older pieces, or antiques, are copied and sold just because they are popular. During the height of the collecting craze of the late 20th century, reproductions were often intended to fool naive shoppers. Reproductions can be fun to buy and use but they do not have the value of a genuine antique. Reproductions of old dishes are better to use than the real thing. Today's regulations prevent the addition of toxic elements in the production of dishware. That was not true in the past.
How much does a consignment shop charge?
Most consignment shops will arrange to pick up and item at your home. They generally charge 1/3 of the selling price. Pay attention to the contract and their sales practices. Some consignment shops lower the price drastically if the item does not sell in a specified amount of time. You want to be sure that you are comfortable with the lowered price.
What is Dolores' interest in antiques?
After inheriting her grandmother's collection of antiques, Dolores has maintained an interest in the care and sale of vintage items.
How to find an antique appraiser?
There are several ways to find a certified antiques appraiser: Contact local antique dealers and auctioneers and ask them to recommend an accredited certified appraiser. Often antique appraisers are available or advertise their business, at antique events and shows. Attend these events when possible.
What is an invaluable auction?
Invaluable. Invaluable is an auction site for art and antiques, and it provides free information on the value of items sold on the site. You can browse through the furniture by manufacturer name or the type of piece to get an idea of its value.
What is wholesale value?
Wholesale value - This is the price that an antique dealer generally pays for a piece. It is approximately 30% to 50% less then the item would sell for on the secondary market. Auction value - This is the open market price the item would generally sell for when neither the buyer nor seller is in a forced sale position.
What is fair market value?
It's a good idea to be familiar with the following terms: Fair market value - This is the price a buyer and a seller agree upon when neither one is under any pressure to buy or sell the item.
Do you list antique furniture separately?
If you own valuable antique furniture, you may want to list it separately for insurance purposes. Typically, the insurance value of an antique item is the highest retail value for that item.
