In 2000, our discussion of Cavalier Cedar Chests began in the Furniture Section; however, a very large volume of mail has dictated that we put our coverage of cedar chests onto three separate pages. This page is devoted to photos of cedar chests submitted by our readers.

Not only that, as of October 15, 2009 we have a Facebook page:

Join Us on Facebook

     

Click on a Picture to Go There

In case you don't like buttons:

This is a detailed listing of the topics treated in our three Cedar Chest Pages. For this page, we have have organized the pictures sent by our readers by "styles" as shown below:

• Photos Sent by our Readers

  [THIS PAGE]
  • Traditional Cedar Chests
  • Waterfall Cedar Chests
  • Mid-Century Modern Cedar Chests
  • Send Us your Pictures
• All About Cavalier Cedar Chests [Separate Page]
  • How can I repair veneer or restore the finish?
  • How do I take care of the finish?
  • How do I restore the "cedar smell"?
  • What's the most important thing in using the chest?
  • What characteristics are unique to Cavalier Chests?
  • What was it used for?
  • What is it worth?
  • How can I fix minor scratches in the finish?
  • What kind of veneer damage can be repaired?
  • How can I remove paint from the chest?
  • How can I replace the LOCK or find out the COMBINATION?
  • What can you tell us about the company that made Cavalier Chests
  • Did this company make Coke machines?
  • What does the "serial number" mean?
  • The $23,000 Cavalier Chest
• Other Furniture Made by the Cavalier Company [SEPARATE PAGE]
  • The Stow-Away
  • The Write-Away
  • The Dress-Away
  • Full Bedroom Sets
• How can I contact you?

In addition to Cavalier furniture, we have a Calendar of Swing Dancing in DC, a Directory of Vintage Clothing Stores and a Guide to 1940s Collectibles. Thanks for tuning in! Feel free to Contact Me if you have questions or want to share photographs, hopes, and/or stories with the rest of the readers.

Here are some photos of a very old chest that I believe to be from the period 1924-1928. Our friend Jenifer from Massachusetts wrote:

"... The bottom has a stenciled mark 42-WAL. I have the chest hidden, since my 2 yr. old's eyes just LIT up when he saw it - he was quickly banished from the area!) ..."

           

Jenifer's 1920s Cavalier Cedar Chest
Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos sent in by Jerry from Berkeley California. He writes::

"...I recently aquired this cedar chest from a relative and I am wondering if you can help date it for me?.....It seems to be solid cedar with a dark walnut stain on the outside. It has a small metal tag on the inside of the top that says 'Cavalier' and has an image of a cavalier on it. I am sending 5 photos that will show you what it looks like. It is not in the waterfall style. To me it looks older. One of the photos is of the bottom showing a number and 'WAL' which I assume indicates the walnut stain..."

     

Jerry's Cavalier Cedar Chest, Cavalier Badge

  

Drawer Details, Serial Number
Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos of a more traditional Chest -- there is no veneer over the Cedar.

  

The "Raw" Chest
Click to Enlarge

Our friend Joanna sent in these pictures of a traditional chest from the 1930s. She writes:

"... I recently bought this cedar chest from an antiques dealer in Towson, Maryland. I noticed the Cavalier metal stamp on the inside of the lid and also the chest came with a cardboard tag naming the maker. The dealer I purchased the chest had restored it beautifully! He also mentioned that he thought the chest was from the 1920s or 1930s. ..."

     



     

Joanna's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Looks like curly maple...
Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos of a 1930s Cavalier Chest in the Jacobean mode, sent in by our reader Leanne, who writes:

"....I bought this chest from a barn sale for $30 in Lynnfield, Mass. The back legs need to be repaired but I fell in love with it anyway. The one with my son is when he was 2 and 1/2 yrs taken on 7/18/06 just so you can tell the size of it. ..."

     

Leanne's Cavalier Chest from the 1930s
"220-WAL-3602 (February 1936??)
Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos sent in by a reader who has an interesting story. She writes:

".... I find it amazing, but my husband found this beautiful cedar chest in someones trash, for which he knocked on the door and asked if he could take it. They told him they broke the key off in the lock so they were getting rid of it, we have fixed it,cleaned it up and now have a beautiful hope chest. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Kathy of New Jersey ..."

  



Kathy's New-Found Treasure
Click to Enlarge

Here is a most unusual chest. We have never seen a cedar chest combined with a hall-seat prior to a very nice letter from one of our readers. She writes:

".... I am sending a few pictures of a cavalier cedar chest that has been passed down to me. According to my grandmother, my great-grandmother bought it at an auction. I have no idea how old it is and have not seen any similar chests anywhere. It is an interesting piece and I would love to learn more about it.
Thanks, Megan..."

  

  

Megan's Cavalier Hall Bench/Chest
Click to enlarge

I have never seen one of these, but based on the paper insert (whose survival is a small miricle) and the brass Cavalier badge, I would say that this is from the 1920s. It certainly is an elegant heirloom

Our reader, Scotty sent us these photos of his Cavalier Chest:

  

  

Scotty's Cavalier Hall Chest
Clockwise from top left: Closed, Open, Internal ad, details of combination lock
Click to enlarge

Chris from Indiana sent us these photos of a very unusual chest that he found in Delaware. It has an electric clock built into the lid! This chest is in very good shape and has all the labels. This was a nice find. By the way, it looks like the cord needs to be replaced on that clock!

     

Chris' Cavalier Cedar Chest with a clock
The labels are Complete, Dating this Piece from the 1930s
Click to Enlarge

Miss Rusty writes to show us some photos of a chest made from Tennessee Red Cedar that was constructed in Rockford, Illinois (just West of Chicago) by the Continental Desk Company. They seem to have emulated the products of the Cavalier Corporation. The owner says that she has had it for quite some time and that it was "old" before she got it. This chest looks like it might be from the 1930s.

     

Rusty's Continental Cedar Chest
Click to Enlarge

Ms. Michelle, from Minnesota found a Queen Anne style cedar chest, also made by the Continental Desk Company. In addition to the label shown above, this one includes the application for the Moth Insurance Policy.

     

Continental Cedar Chest Queen Anne Style
Insure your clothes against moths...
Click to Enlarge

Our reader Kathi from Kansas sent us some pictures of a chest with a Cavlier tag that has us stumped -- the chest has been restored, but evidently looked like this originally. Kathi writes:

".... This Cedar chest belonged to my grandparents who were married in 1916 in St. Louis, MO. It has the metal Cavalier Furniture Tag, but it seems different from any of the others in your web site as it is painted on cedar. When we got it, the finish was a very dark black and crackled, but as we removed the old varnish, we found the black painted design which wasn’t visible before. Do you have any idea what style this is? Each of the black areas is outlined by a thin carved line. In one of the corners on the top, the carver goofed and re-did the carving, and you can still see the original carved line, so I am sure it was all hand carved and painted. Thanks for putting this on the website, maybe someone will recognize it. I really don’t know if someone did the detailing work of incising the wood and painting it after it was bought, but the way it fits with the detailing, raised wood areas, etc. makes me think it came that way from the factory ..."

  

Did this come from the factory this way?

     

Similar detail found on unpainted chests
It does have a Cavalie Badge
Click to Enlarge

Analysis: We here at Jitterbuzz are puzzled. Our guess would be that someone "customized" this chest, possibly in the 1940s or 1950s. I don't think that the Tennessee Furniture Company would have sold a chest with some sort of mistake -- they were perfectionists! On the other hand, I really LIKE the treatment shown here. This is a great way to bring the Jacobean style into harmony with Style Moderne. However, we don't want you to do anything irrepairable to your Cavalier Chest, either.

Recently, Mike C. sent us these photos and wrote:

".... My mother in law recently gave this Cavalier Cedar Hope Chest to my wife. She originally got it from her mother. My wife would like me to try to "restore" it. I am thinking of stripping existing finish, restaining and varnishing. ..."

  

Mike's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Click to Enlarge

Our answer was:

".... This is a shellac finish. DO NOT STRIP IT. You'll loosen the glue that holds the veneer on and ruin the thing! My site goes into some detail on this subject. Get a second opinion from an expert who knows something about shellac! Alcohol is the solvent for shellac -- this finish can probably be "amalgamated" (see my site) with better results and in half the time you'd spend trying to "strip" the thing ..."

Lynn, one of our readers, sent us these photos of his Cavalier Cedar Chest.

She writes:

"... Thank you for all your effort on providing information about the Cavalier Cedar Chest. I was cleaning out my garage, and this chest had my sons baseball cards in it. I have had the chest for at least 15 years. I put it in the yard sale ( meanwhile never reading the information which is attached with 4 large tacks.) Consequently I decided to keep the chest and put my wool sweaters inside ... The info sheet is virtually brand new. Not a mark on it anywheres. I Also I was wondering if you might know the approximate date it was made. It has The Cavlier "Brand" - Metal. The inside of the chest is in great condition, the metal casing is as new, just the exterior has a few patches of veneer missing. ( I read your instructions on restoration "Thank you" ) So later down the road I will mend it accordingly ... The numbers are " 232 6918 CHEST " was wondering if you can decipher the code as to what means. ..."

     

     

Lynn's 1930s Cavalier Chest
Click to Enlarge It

This chest is in the Jacobean style and is from the late 1920s to early 1930s when "modern" or "waterfall" had not yet caught on. This chest is very nice, but it could use some work. An example of what this chest looked like when it came from the factory is shown next. Definitely, the white paint has to go! Note that the application of white paint (ostensibly as a highlight) has resulted in some paint being smeared inside the lid. This was sent to us some time ago by one of our readers. It was her "Aunt Evey's Cedar Chest" Lynn's chest has about 1/4 of the original label (see previous photo)

Caitlin, our first Facebook "Fan", sent us these photos of her Cavalier Cedar Chest.

She writes:

"... I just aquired a Cavalier chest from an aunt who found it at the Kane Co. Flea Market about 30 years ago... for all the time she had it, she had no idea what it was! I was trying to find out some information about it... its got the little brass plate on the inside lid, and on the bottom it says " l 82 8847 CHEST" from the research I've done I've basically figured out its older than the 1950s when they started burning the label into the lid. ..."

Caitlin's 1930s Cavalier Chest
Click to Enlarge It

Definitely, this is much older than the 1950s. It looks a lot like some of the Jacobean chests shown above. My guess is that it was made in the 1930s -- althugh this style remained popular well into the 1940s.

Here is another traditional chest owned by our reader Nicole who writes:

"... I am a little confused and could use your help. After reading your website, I felt fairly confident that my chest was made in the 1950’s. Due to the fact that the logo is burned into the inside lid. However, when I looked underneath the chest it says 39-WAL 2426. This was my grandmothers hope chest . She was born on July 15th 1910. So, she turned 14 yrs old in 1924 and was born week 26. The chest itself looks old and very worn. From reading your website appears to be the traditional style. It needs a lot of attention on the outside and some water damage on the bottom inside. The inside has a copper or “copper looking” lock and hinges ..."

        

Nicole's Traditional Cavalier Chest
Click to Enlarge It

Actually, we're pretty sure that the chest was made much earlier, based on the incised carving. The woodburned mark is quite different from the woodburned mark of the 1950s. This is very nice, but it does need some "refreshing"

In late January of 2010, our reader Jill from Boston sent us some "before and after" photos of a Jacobean chest that she restored. Here is what she wrote:

"... Thank you for the help you gave on your website as to how to restore Cavalier cedar chests, I wanted to send you these 'before' and 'after' photos of my cedar chest (could be as old as 1924?), since it is finally finished. It originally belonged to my mother’s Aunt Dot (1908-2001, my grandmother’s younger sister), a gift from her boyfriend. In order to pay off a debt, Aunt Dot gave it to my grandmother Margaret (1903-84), who had it in her house when my mother Marilyn was growing up, my mom used it to store sweaters in. Margaret gave it to my mother around 1963 when Margaret moved to Florida around the time of my parents’ marriage. My mother kept it in her basement for years. When she gave it to me a few years ago, it was not in good shape because it had also been moved a few times, etc.. An antiques restoration professional told me that it would probably not be worth it to pay him to restore the cedar chest because of the shape it was in. I finally found a co-worker who was willing to do the restoration work for a fair price. He has a lot of patience and skill and did a wonderful job, taking pride in his work. Actually, I had asked this co-worker for advice before I talked to the professional, at the time he said that he was not the right person to do the job because he did not want to ruin a valuable antique. I paid an artist I know to reproduce the flower design artwork. Thank you again for keeping the Cavalier cedar chest website going, ..."

  

  

Jill's Cavalier Cedar Chest BEFORE Restoration

     

  

Jill's Cavalier Cedar Chest AFTER Restoration

The Floral design is unique and very well done in the restoration
Click to Enlarge It

In February of 2011, our reader Brenda from Alabama sent us some photos of a traditional cedar chest. She writes:

"... I wanted to share pictures of my grandmothers Cavalier Cedar Chest. ..."

        

Brenda's Cavalier Chest
It belonged to her grandmother Click to Enlarge It

We also note that Brenda has a Samsonite train case from the same series that we collect as well as a Princess Phone. This cedar chest would look a whole lot better if it were spiffed up with our "reamalgamation" technique as discussed on our Cavalier How-To page.

In March of 2011, our reader Janelle sent us these photos of a cedar chest that was given to her. She writes:

"... Hello. Just stumbled on your site trying to find out information on the cedar chest my mother-in-law gave that was her mom’s. She thought it was from the 70’s but in looking at pictures on your website, I’m wondering if it isn’t from the 30’s or 40’s? It has the brass tag and the Quality Pledge paper inside front lid…'The construction is in accordance …….dated Nov. 13, 1939.' The code on the bottom of the chest is 425 8025. ..."

     

Janelle's 1930s Cavalier Cedar Chest Chest
.. from a very nice Mother-In-Law
Click to Enlarge It

This is definitely a traditional cedar chest from the 1930s (or early 1940s) as evidenced by the typography on the paper insert and the metal Cavalier badge. Janell wwas very fortunate!

Here are some photos of the "jazziest" waterfall Cavalier Cedar Chest that we have ever seen. They were sent in May, 2011 by our reader Faith who has this to say:

"... My boyfriend and I recently purchased this cedar chest at an estate sale. I have searched on-line for similar models without any success. I know it is a "Waterfall" style, however, this one has a drawer in the bottom and the top has built in clock, two glove boxes?, and two change/key holders?. This is an unusual style and I would like to share so more people who may have one may choose to share their pictures and information they may have on-line. Thank you for your time andhave a great day ..."

     

  

Faith's Extra Fancy Cavalier Cedar Chest

Click to Enlarge

Here are photos of a 1940s chest sent to us by our friend Katie in Kokomo (seriously...)

She writes:

"I was just given this beautiful Cavalier Cedar Chest. All I know is that it was given to a lady when she was little. I have no idea if it was passed on to her from someone, or any idea of how old it is. It has all the original paper on the inside and the shelf as you can see in the picture. "

  

Katie's late 1940s Cavalier Cedar Chest

Click to Enlarge

Here are photos of a 1940s chest sent to us by our friend Deb, in Illinois

She writes:

"... My Aunt passed away on Feb. 1st at 84 years of age. While cleaning out her house, I found this chest. It was complete with all of her gathered utensils, tablecloths, towels, sheets, bowls, cups, etc. Under all of these treasures, hidden in a brown paper bag, were love letters written to and from a man that once had propsed to her..."

  

Deb's 1940s Cavalier Cedar Chest
Click to Enlarge

Here is a photo of a great Cavalier Cedar Chest sent to us by our friend LeAnn. She writes:

"...This chest was bought at an auction for $125.00 had it in my antique shop for 10 months before we discovered it had hide away spots.(thank goodness it didn't sell it's now my daughters hope chest) It's in super condition. Reads: Cavalier Cedar Chest with keepsafe dial. Pat. 326 Serial 5-1639 ..."

LeAnn's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos of a chest that is in need of some tender loving care (see above for refinishing techniques.) The owner wrote:

"... This chest belonged to my mother-in-law. We are not certain of its age. It was presented to her as a gift before she was married which was in 1941 or 1942. We do not know is it was new then or not. You will see in the pictures that the top has water damage. The end pieces of the lid are warped and the legs appear to be rotting or coming apart in places. There is a brass strip about 1/2 inch wide around the top inside edge. The tray or drawer that should have been inside is missing. The markings on the underside of the chest are Serial #1492 254-X. The little brass plate of the man is still intact on the lid. ..."

     

The Forlorn Cavalier Chest
We hope that it has received some TLC since these photos were sent in 2003...
Click to Enlarge

Here are some more photos that were sent to me in November of 2004.They clearly illustrate the difficulty in assigning a date to an object by appearance alone. The first set shows a Waterfall (moderne) Cedar chest from the 1940s (as indicated by the brass badge). The secons set shows a cedar chest that is very similar that was made in the 1950s (as indicated by the woodburned makers mark).

  

Waterfall Cavalier Cedar Chest Made in the 1940s

     

Waterfall Cavalier Cedar Chest Made in the 1950s
Click to Enlarge

Here are some 2005 photos from a family who found a Model 123 in very poor condition and then gave it a loving restoration. Thanks, guys!

  

A great restoration job!



Model 123 Pattern No. 4095

Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos sent in by John in Indiana. The following is stamped on the bottom: "Chest 137 Serial 1151".

     

John's Cavalier Chest
Click to Enlarge

In our observation of the photos, we note that is a 1930s chest that was part of the "bargain" line of the Tennessee Furniture Company:

• The cedar has a LOT of knots
• There is no velvet-lined drawer (for silver hope chest items)
• There is only a key lock (not a key-combination lock)
• It has a fairly simple veneer design

This piece is in very good condition and even though it was not at the top of Cavalier's line, it is much better than anything available today. It will work just fine for storing blankets and sweaters. Nobody puts silver in a "Hope Chest" anymore. All John needs to do is give the inside a good rub with fine steel wool to bring out the magnificent cedar odor. By the way, it looks like it has a "place holder" for the presentation plaque.

Jim sent us some very nice photos of a 1940s chest that had belonged to his grandmother. The exterior of the chest could use a little "amalgamating" (see above), but it is in fine shape for a 55-60 year old. It is remarkable that the interior label has been preserved intact. Note that the figures from a wedding cake have been preserved in the chest. This is a very nice piece.

  

Jim's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Click to Enlarge

One of our readers sent these photos to us. After some consideration, we decided that this was not a Cavalier chest, although the veneer is quite nice. First, the interior drawers used woods that were not Tennessee cedar and the chest does not have a combination lock. Cavalier chests of this period with this level of detail in Art Deco motifs almost always had a combination lock. Still, it's a tough call.

  

Unknown Maker Waterfall Cedar Chest
Great veneer detail
Click to Enlarge

We got these photos from our friend Waynette who lives in Tennessee. She writes:

".... Just wanted to share pictures of a chest that was given to me a few years ago. It could stand to be refinished but hate to erase its old beauty. I have only been in Tennessee three years and love it. I got the chest in Rhode Island not knowing I was taking it so close to its original home ..."

  

Waynette's Cavalier Cedar Chest

Click to Enlarge

We got these photos from Shannon, who got the chest from her grandmother. It looks like the top has seen better days and might need some veneer repair. All in all, this is still a very nice chest from the 1930s that could be greatly "brightened" by the "amalgamation technique discussed above. You'll note that Shannon's chest has the combination lock, the holder for the name plaque and the metal cavalier insignia.

     

Shannon's Cavalier Chest
Left: More serial number data
Middle: the top could use some attantion
Right: Presentation plaque holder and Cavalier badge
Click to Enlarge

Tommy, one of our readers, sent us these photos of a chest that he restored.

He writes:

"... I bought this chest for $5.00 at a auction 9/13/09 It has the cavalier brand burned into the lid. The bottom says Pattern No. 707 Serial No.3389 It has a key and lock. I lightly sanded and applied two coats of poly. ..."

  

  

Tommy's s Cavalier Chest
Pattern No. 707 Serial No.3389
Click to Enlarge It

This looks like a good job, although polyurethane tends to give a finish that looks like the piece has been glazed. He may have some problems down the line if the piece is exposed to humidity -- the veneer cannot "breathe" and is liable to pucker. If the shellac amalgamation technique (above) had been used, he would have had a warmer finish that breathes. In order to take the gloss off this piece, gentle application of auto rubbing compound would give it a much softer "glow".

We got these photos from our reader Craig, who writes:

"... recently had a Great Aunt pass away. While cleaning out her house my father and I found this cedar chest. From what I can gather from your web page it is from the 1920's, but am unsure. I am also unsure what the pattern and serial number represents based on what your web page indicates. Any information you can shed on this would be greatly appriciated, Or if you can point me in a better direction would also be nice. This chest is in wonderful shape and a beautiful peice with VERY few blemeshes. I know it is veneer with inlay of some kind. The cedar is in very nice condition also and still has it's aroma ..."

     

  

Craig's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Unique Side Compartments
Click to Enlarge

This is truly a marvelous cedar chest. The veneer work suggests a steamer trunk and we have never seen the side compartments. A very nice piece of furniture. Congratulations to Craig and a tribute to his Great Aunt.

In early 2011, Tom sent us some photos of an unusual waterfall cedar chest that he was restoring. He writes:

"... here are a few pics of a Cavalier Cedar Chest that I am in the process of repairing/restoring and collecting some information about it along the way. The one really odd feature on this chest is the wood hinges. Sadly, both are broken, but I have not seen a single example of one being original to Cavalier chests. Perhaps you have seen one? Anyway, enjoy these pictures. As the project continues I will send you more ..."

" found this video on the Internet from a place in Ohio called Old Wood Market Antique Shop which shows a chest that is remarkably like the one I have. It shows the inner shelf, which is missing in mine, and how it functions within the lid and body. It also shows that I would gather are the original hinges, not these weird wooden ones I have on the chest now..."

Here are the photos of Tom's Cavalier Cedar Chest.

     

     

Tom's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Unique Wooden Hinges
Click to Enlarge

I have never seen these wooden hinges. If any of the readers can help with this, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

In February of 2011, we received these pictures from our reader Debi. She writes:

"...We found a cavalier cedar chest that we are trying to research. It has a combination lock and a hidden corner drawer in the art deco style. None of the labels I found are like the one stapled to the lid. Ours has a pic of a man (a lot like Clark Gable) in a seductive pose with a beautiful woman. The lettering has this - Pat 365 Serial 19GG. We were wondering if you could point us in the right direction to finding out more specific info on this as my searches ended in disappointment. ..."

     

The Rare Side-drawer Cedar Chest (will need some work..)

     

Additional Work to be Done

     

Identifying Marks



Some Forensic Evidence

Probably from the late 1930s
Click to Enlarge

Offhand, because of the side drawer, the combination lock, brass "badge" and the extensive veneer treatment, I would put this in the mid- to late 1930s. At that time, fountain pens were a personal statement, much like cellphones are more than telephones. The ballpoint pen is from the 1950s, but the unusual phone number for the Humble station indicates that the owner lived in (or visited) a small town in the Southwest. Check out our Telephone Page for more details on early telephone numbers.

These pictures were sent in by our reader April, who writes:

"... I found this at a second hand store. It still had card that you fill out and mail back to Cavalier for [the presentation] plaque. It was a graduation gift from 1961 ... still has the ..."

     

April's Cavalier Cedar Chest

Click to Enlarge

Here are sme photos sent in by Bob. He writes:

"... My friend bought at a garage sale this Cavalier Cedar Chest for 10 dollars! I'm doing her the favor of trying to restore the finish. It is model# 860 and serial #9674 He's going to have a real nice cedar chest when he gets finished! ..."

  

Bob's Cavalier Cedar Chest

Click to Enlarge

Here are some photos of a Cavalier Chest from the 1950s.

     

1950s Rectilinear Cedar Chest on Legs
Click to Enlarge

Recently, we heard from Coleen:

".... Hello,
I came across your site while surfing the net. I acquired a Cavalier chest that was my grandmothers after she passed away a couple of years ago. I was wondering if you could advise me how to date the chest or what to look for to do that. I am attaching a picture I took of it. I believe it to be in the 1950's sometime, but not sure. It is different than most I have seen on your site, since it has a more pointed, squared lid and body. Any information or other sites you could direct me to for help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you much, Colleen..."

My guess is that this chest dates from the mid to late 1950s

Click to Enlarge

Barbara, one of our readers, sent us these photos of her Cavalier Cedar Chest.

She writes:

"... Here are some pictures of my Cavalier cedar chest that I purchased at a yard sale for $20 about six years ago. ..."

  

  

Barbara's Cavalier Chest
Pattern No. 413 Style No.6581
Click to Enlarge It

It looks like Barbara got a very good deal!

RH, one of our readers, sent us these photos of his Cavalier Cedar Chest.

He writes:

"... Could you tell me when this was built? I see you don't have a picture of this style cedar chest From the pictures it looks like a reddish color on the outside, but the top is a walnut or something veneer I think. The only marking is of the burned in cavalier marking on the inside lid. I hunted for one for some time now and I wish to give it to my daughter. The top has a spot where the clear coat has been damages can I repair this? Could I just sand it down to the cedar wood? It looks like the chest is made of solid cedar. ..."

     

A 1950s Cavalier Chest
Click to Enlarge It

RH wrote just minutes before we launched our Cavalier Chest Facebook page. (Literally five minutes before!) My answers to his question are:

1. The chest is from the mid to late 1950s
2. It looks like Walnut/mahogany veneer -- it is VERY hard to bookmatch solid cedar -- see note son the first photo above
3. Test the finish to see if it is shellac.(rub lightly with a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol -- if the finish softens, it's shellac) If so, use the techniques on my site. If not, smooth the top with synthetic steel wool and apply thin coats of water-borne polyurethane

Our reader Victoria sent us these photos of a 1950s Cavalier chest that has an unusual shape. We have never seen one of these before. The finish could use a little TLC, but this is a very striking Mod-century Modern piece.         



     

Victoria's Mid-Century Modern Cavalier Cabinet Click to Enlarge

She writes:

"...I have had a cavalier cedar chest for ever in storage iT WAS MY GRAMMS it must be from the 50ss the serial paper tag is still on the bottom 226 limed oak run num# 5974 It has the original key and is beautiful inside... I'd like to pass it down to my son who is 17 this year ..."

Our reader Tracy sent us photos of a cedar chest that her husband bought for her. She writes:

"... Attached you will find pictures of my unique Cavalier Cedar Chest. My husband purchased this cedar chest for me as a Christmas gift at an auction in Clay City, Indiana in December 2009. This is definitely the Cadillac of Cedar Chests. I am so pleased with this cedar chest and after viewing other pictures of items that Cavalier made, I am going to look for more of their items for my collection. Cavalier Cedar Chests are built solid and are absolutely a fine work of art. The craftsmanship, time and effort put into creating a Cavalier Cedar Chest is second to none. ..."

     

     

Tracy's Cedar chest
All 17 of her photos are on the Facebook Page
Click to Enlarge

Our reader Mike sent us photos of a cedar chest that he recently bought. He writes:

"... Sending 3 pictures of a cavalier chest that I just bought off the internet for 50 dollars. It is a bit rough. Looking through your site it looks like it was one of the 1930 to late 1940s models. I actually did no investigation of this chest before purchasing it. I was just looking for an addition to my bedroom. I will be using some of the methods from your site to clean it up a bit. But I actually like the worn look. Just want to thank you for the clean up tips. Hope you enjoy the pictures. ..."

      Mike's Cedar chest

Click to Enlarge

Our reader Deborah sent us these photos. She writes:

"... My daughter wanted a cedar chest and we looked everywhere in Tidewater area, Virginia. Could not find one that was decent. Pressed wood very poorly made. We ordered one from a large furniture store in Williamsburg, Va. It came in damaged, they ordered it again. Came in damaged. I cancelled my order and proceeded to a used furniture store in Smithfield, Va. We lucked out and found this one. It cleaned up beautifully and it is a Cavalier. My daughter will be very pleased ..."

  

  

Deborah's Recently Acquired Cavalier Chest

Click to Enlarge

These pictures were sent in by our readr Kim. She writes:

"... just wanted to send a few pics of my cedar chest. It was my great grandmothers and I still have the sales tag from the store. Not sure what year it is..."

Our best guess is that this is from the late 1940s to the early 1950s, judging mainly by its rectilinear shape. We also note that the Amalgamation Technique described in our companion page could do wonders for this chest with only a small amount of work.

     

Kim's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Probably late 1940s Early 1950s
Click to Enlarge

These pictures were sent in by our reader Barry. He writes:

"... [I have] attached pictures of the chest we rescued from a trash pile. Other than the left rear leg being broken (was inside chest), it is in very good condition. There are a couple “glass rings” on the top which I am working on. Other than the rings, the veneer is nearly perfect. I started the amalgamation restoration with de-natured alcohol and it looks better, but still needs more. I also bought some shellac, but will put it on only as a last resort. To repair the leg, I plan to drill into the leg and also above the break, and try to re-glue it with a piece of dowel for strength. Aligning the holes for the dowel will be the tricky part ..."

        

Barry's Cavalier Cedar Chest
Probably Mid-1930s
Click to Enlarge

Our best guess is that this is from the mid-1930s, judging mainly by its brass Cavalier badge and the paper on the inside. This is a great find! To locate the dowel hole, clamp a piece of scrap wood onto the portion of the leg still on the chest. Drive a finish nail into the center of the piece to be attached. Slide the part on the stich until it makes contact with the upper part. give it a tap with a mallet and it will make a mark where the upper dowel is to go. Use the stick to guide the drill on both piceces.

These pictures were sent in by our reader Anthony. He writes:

"... My mom had gotten this chest from her parents and now has been passed down to me. she thinks they received it as a wedding gift in 1945. ..."

  

     

Anthony's Cavalier Cedar Chest

Click to Enlarge

Blonde is a fairly rare color for cedar chests.

These pictures were sent in by our reader Andrea. She writes:

"... I am writing to inquire about a Cavalier cedar chest that I have recently found. I beleive it is made in 1950. It has a combination lock and also a "hidden" push panel compartment that reveals a metal safety box with combination lock. It has the metal Cavalier insignia and metal gift plate with original orange card. It is in great shape except for a corner that looks as if it was chewed? Itis in great sturdy condition. ...."

  

Andrea's Cavalier Cedar Chest
With a secret safety deposit box...
Click to Enlarge

This is a wonderful and rare Cavalier chest. From looking at the style, I would think that it was made before 1950. The secret drawer will add to the value of the chest, but the damage to the corner will take away value. It loks like someone had ateething puppy.

You should sign up as a Fan -- you'll get Cavalier chest updates automatically

If you send me a picture of your chest, I will be glad to put it on the website.

Join Us on Facebook

Counter for the Entire Site, Not Just this Page