Caswell-Runyan cedar chest

[Juliem]

I bought a Caswell-Runyan cedar chest to give to my daughter for Christmas. I read that Caswell-Runyan was in business from 1906-1956.  I would really like to know approximately what year it was made in and it's approximate value. I would love to restore or refinish it, but I am scared of messing up it's value. Thanks for any input!

[mart]

I would not refinish unless its really a mess !!  Its a Queen Anne style so could have been made either 1920`s or 1940`s/ 50`s !!  Those are the most likely periods for the style !!  Did you ask when you bought it ??
Try a good polish with some Old English dark oil !!  That will cover any scratches, dings and make it shine again !!  Let the polish sit on it for 15 minutes or so then buff to a shine !!

[Juliem]

They only knew that it was between 1906 and 1956. I will definitely try the polish! The sides are in relatively good condition. It’s just the top. But I will definitely try it. Thank you for your advice!

[mart]

Yours looks to be walnut so the old english dark should work well !!

[Juliem]

Thank you! I bought some and look forward to getting it all cleaned up!

[mart]

Let us know how it turns out !!  Old English dark oil is used by  many antique shops to freshen up furniture !!

[Juliem]

I definitely will!

[KC]

I really like cedar chests!  They are great for woolen items even if not used for a "Hope Chest" as they were marketed for!

[cogar]

I really like cedar chests!  They are great for woolen items even if not used for a "Hope Chest" as they were marketed for!

KC, you are correct, ……. well, partially correct in one sense and 100% correct in another.

The original marketing of cedar chests and cedar [lined] closets was simply because of the fact "they were great for storing woolen items", not only because cedar has a smell that is pleasant to most people, but is disliked by many bugs, especially moths.

And if its going to be the “bug protection” cedar, ….. it has to be the aromatic Eastern red cedar that grows in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

I once lined a storage room with aromatic cedar just to keep things "smelling" nice.

You can buy the "tongue and groove" cedar and construct your own "cedar closet".

[KC]

Cogar the "wealthier" people here in TX/Southern states have enough square footage to line a room. 

Here you don't have the moths to worry about as much.  It's the silverfish that will do your sweaters, fine suits in!

[Juliem]

Here is the finished project. Hard to tell the difference in the pictures, but looks beautiful in real life.

I have also done a light sanding on the inner cedar lining to try to restore the wonderful smell. That didn’t work as good as I had hoped, but did help. I will buy some cedar oil to rub in it.

[mart]

Bad thing about storing clothes in cedar chests is,, the smell does not wash out easily !!  Did not have much for dry cleaning so can`t say about that !! 

[KC]

Totally agree with the comment about the smell mart - even dry cleaning doesn't get out all of the smell.

[mart]

I remember KC !!