Felt Lined Tray Appraisal

Vintage Lane Cedar Chest with Felt-Lined Interior Tray

This is a mid-20th-century cedar storage chest manufactured by the Lane Company of Altavista, Virginia. The exterior features a rich walnut veneer with a book-matched burl pattern and a waterfall-style front edge, characteristic of Art Deco or Transition-era furniture design from the 1940s to 1950s. The interior is lined with solid aromatic red cedar, designed for moth protection, and retains its original red and white 'Lane Cedar Chest' decals and a $500 Moth Insurance Policy paper label. A notable construction feature is the automatic rising interior tray attached to the lid by metal brackets. The chest shows moderate signs of use with some surface scuffing on the bottom molding and edges, but the interior cedar appears vibrant and well-preserved. For safety and appraisal purposes, it is important to note the latch mechanism; vintage Lane chests manufactured before 1987 are known for an airtight seal and automatic locking mechanism that posed a hazard to children, which often requires a replacement lock for modern safety compliance. The craftsmanship exhibits high-quality joinery and authentic period materials, typical of the Lane brand's reputation for durability and luxury storage.