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Identification

Art Deco Waterfall Veneer Blanket Chest

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The chest exhibits the classic 'waterfall' rounded front edge and book-matched chevron veneer patterns typical of American mass-market Art Deco furniture from the 1930s and 1940s.

Story

Produced in the 1930s and 1940s, 'waterfall' furniture was a staple of American mass-market Art Deco design, characterized by its rounded front edges and elaborate veneer patterns. These chests were heavily marketed as 'hope chests' for young women to store trousseaus and linens. Major manufacturers included Lane, Cavalier, and Ed Roos, though many unbranded versions were also sold through department stores. The market for Art Deco waterfall furniture is highly bifurcated.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the single exterior photo, the chest exhibits the classic waterfall form with book-matched veneers. There is visible wear and veneer loss along the bottom apron, which is common for pieces of this age but impacts value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for Art Deco waterfall furniture is highly bifurcated. Professionally restored pieces with striking book-matched veneers command strong prices ($800+) in curated retail settings or high-end vintage boutiques. However, unrestored examples with veneer damage or finish wear are abundant and often struggle to exceed $100-$200 at local estate auctions or on local classifieds. Buyers value the cedar storage utility, but structural integrity and cosmetic condition are the primary drivers of price.

Value Drivers

▲ Classic Art Deco waterfall form with book-matched veneer patterns appeals to vintage enthusiasts.

▲ Cedar-lined interior (assumed based on standard production) provides practical storage utility.

▲ Local classifieds sale of a structurally solid Lane chest at $135 anchors the mid-range expectation.

Concerns

▼ Unverified maker — lacking a Lane or Cavalier mark limits collector interest and caps the high-end estimate.

▼ Visible veneer loss and wear along the bottom apron depresses the value compared to pristine examples.

▼ Unverified top surface and interior condition — hidden water rings, scratches, or interior damage would push value toward the $50 auction floor.

Best Venue

For a fast local sale, list 'as-is' on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist in the $100-$150 range, highlighting its utility as a cedar storage chest. If a Lane or Cavalier mark is discovered inside and the interior is pristine, you might push the asking price toward $250-$300. Professional restoration is generally not cost-effective for resale unless you have the skills to do it yourself, as the cost of professional veneer repair and refinishing will likely exceed the final retail value.

Upside Potential

If the interior reveals a premium maker's mark (e. g., Lane or Cavalier), the top surface is free of major defects, and the piece is professionally restored to address the veneer loss, the retail value could shift into the $750-$1,200 tier observed in curated dealer sales.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Harp Gallery
    Art Deco Waterfall Vintage Walnut Blanket Chest Trunk Lane #59215
    Link could not be verified.
    $875
  • Lenhart Auction & Realty· 2026-07-13
    1940's waterfall cedar chest, 47" x 19" x 22"
    Link could not be verified.
    $210
  • Macon Brothers Auction
    LANE WATERFALL TIGER MAPLE CEDAR CHEST, 47"X 19"X 24"H
    Link could not be verified.
    $120
  • Crawford Auction Service
    Lane Waterfall Cedar Chest
    Link could not be verified.
    $28