Types of Antique Chests
There are a variety of chests, but they can by and large be defined in the following categories:
Arch-lid chests—typically wooden, these chests feature a domed lid, think the classic pirate’s booty chest.
Flat-lid chests—more space-economic, these are also typically wooden but flat-lidded to allow for stacking.
Cedar chests—a variety of chest that is lined inside with cedar wood, typically used for long-term, stationary storage.
Steamer chests—the anti-thesis to the cedar chest, the steamer chest is intended for travel, usually they would have been stored until arrival, these can be constructed of light wood or leather usually.
Cabin chests—similar to steamer chests, these chests are designed to be kept in the cabin under a bed or seat, these were meant to be accessed during travel.
Tabletop chests—smaller chests that emulate any of the above chests on a smaller scale for tabletop storage of trinkets, jewelry, hankies, even flatware or teas.
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).
List of Antique Chests for Sale
I) Antique Chests
1. Moroccan Wooden Chest
Period: 19th century
Material: Wood
Size: 27.5“W x 28.25“H x 17.25“D
Price: $707
This old chest would have quite the story to tell. It is well worn, the paint has faded, leaving only glimmers of the once vivid colors, and the metal work shows some rust. This is an excellent rustic piece of Moroccan history.
2. Medieval-Style Wooden
Period: 1910s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 7.5“W x 5.5“H x 3.25“D
Price: $40
A quaint medieval-style chest from the early 20th century. This chest is in good, functional condition.
3. Wooden Tool Chest
Period: 1920s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 19.5“W x 10“H x 11.5“D
Price: $159
Still sturdy, this wooden tool chest has nonetheless seen some wear of the years. It is painted with the original ‘20s green paint, still intact. The brass corner protectors and industrial side handles are all in good condition as well.
4. Painted Pine
Period: 1938
Material: Wood
Size: 17.5“W x 8.5“H x 8.5“D
Price: $138
Very helpfully labeled “1938”, this lovely little chest features a bright floral design as well. It has seen some surface wear, but overall seems to be in good condition.
5. Machinist’s Tool Chest
Period: 1930s
Material: Wood, metal, & felt
Size: 20“W x 13.5“H x 9.25“D
Price: $135
This classy wooden chest is lined in green felt, with five original drawers inside (some others are missing). The clasps hold and the mirror inside is in uncracked condition.
6. Indian Wood & Brass
Period: 1940s
Material: Wood & brass
Size: 23.6“W x 11.8“H x 11.8“D
Price: $365
An Indian-style floral design highlights the front of this deep red chest. The corners are protected with riveted brass while the top lid features brass stampings. One handle is missing, along with the keys. A beautiful piece of history!
7. Moroccan Painted Chest
Period: 1950s
Material: Wood
Size: 51”W x 24”H x 13.3”D
Price: $2999
An amazingly detailed painting job by the Tetouan area artists of Morocco stuns on this large wooden chest. The deep jewel hues typical of this design style remain vivid after a half-century of life.
8. Flatware Chest
Period: 1960s
Material: Wood
Size: 15“W x 5.5“H x 11.25“D
Price: $125
Chests come in all shapes and purposes—this one is specifically set up for storing flatware. The main space has room for 12 settings, with room for other pieces in the pull-out drawer below. This piece is in excellent vintage condition.
9. Flatware Chest 2.0
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood & felt
Size: 14.5“W x 3“H x 10.75“D
Price: $25
Like the previous listing, this chest is intended for flatware storage. It is felt-lined and equipped with center dividers to keep the flatware in organized piles. It is in good vintage condition with only minor wear.
10. Floral Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood and paint
Size: 12“W x 6“H x 7“D
Price: $22
An Arts-and-Craft style painting job makes this wooden chest stand apart from the crowd. The chest is in excellent vintage condition.
11. Folk Art Domed Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood, metal, & paint
Size: 18“W x 9“H x 11“D
Price: $225
Hand-painted in a folk-art style, with all of the original hardware, and sturdy joinery work, this wooden chest is in excellent condition! It’s a great find for display (+ storage!).
12. Wicker & Wood
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wicker, wood, & metal
Size: 19.5“W x 13.5“H x 14.25“D
Price: $80
A lovely wood chest with a wicker inlay, this piece is in excellent condition. The most outstanding issue is a few small breaks in the wicker, nothing major.
II) Antique Chest Trunks
1. American Folk-Art Cedar
Period: 1920s
Material: Cedar wood
Size: 30“W x 12.75“H x 15.5“D
Price: $345
This trunk features unusual construction methods that have nonetheless withstood the tests of time. The back two legs are replicas, otherwise everything (including finish) is original.
2. Flat-top Steamer
Period: 1920s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 31.5“W x 18“H x 18“D
Price: $396
A lovely old steamer trunk in good condition. The handles and hardware are in varying states of repair, therefore this piece is probably better used for storage and display. The inside has been refinished with cedar since the ‘20s, it smells lovely.
3. Dillingham Waterfall
Period: 1930s-40s
Material: Cedar wood & metal
Size: 43.75“W x 22.5“H x 18.5“D
Price: $720
This Dillingham brand cedar chest has been restored, as close as possible to its original design. This is a classic cedar chest style with striated wood pieces forming a “waterfall” effect.
4. Cavalier Waterfall
Period: 1940s
Material: Cedar wood, Zebra wood, & cherry wood veneer
Size: 46.5“W x 21.25“H x 18.75“D
Price: $730
Similar to the last one, this is a Cavalier brand waterfall cedar chest. The exterior stain and interior fabric lining have been re-done to as near the original as possible. The original lock and key are both accounted for still, a rarity!
5. Ed Roos Company Cedar
Period: 1940s
Material: Cedar & walnut wood
Size: 48“W x 23.5“H x 19“D
Price: $695
This is a beautiful wooden chest finished with cedar wood inside to keep your stored items smelling lovely. The piece is in good condition with wear and repairs evident but no outstanding issues. The lock has been removed as a safety precaution.
6. Roos Cedar Refurbished
Period: c. 1950s-60s
Material: Cedar wood & metal
Size: 45“W x 12“H x 19“D
Price: $300
This chest was found at an estate sale, well-used and worn. The seller refurbished it with sanding, fractal burning, & lacquering to give it an updated look. It’s in excellent condition and ready for a new home.
7. Hope Chest Coffee Table
Period: 1960s
Material: Teak wood & iron
Size: 45“W x 21“H x 22.5“D
Price: $1499
This 1960s hope chest has been repurposed into a coffee table with an iron grill added to make the interior storage area visible. It’s an interesting piece that’s sure to add a spark of rustic charm to your space!
8. Berber Cedar
Period: 1980s
Material: Cedar wood
Size: 53“W x 23.6“H x 16.5“D
Price: $2555
A hand-painted Moroccan chest, featuring beautiful designs in primary colors on black. The chest is in excellent condition, it has been well-cared for and is ready for a new caretaker.
9. Reclaimed Wood Trunk(s)
Period: 20th century
Material: Reclaimed Indian woods & architectural elements
Size: 40“W x 18“H x 40“D
Price: $1699
This double chest, designed to be a coffee table, is constructed of antique and vintage reclaimed pieces, both wood & other architectural elements. It’s a wonderful statement piece, with the bonus of plenty of storage. While the wood is pre-worn, the structure is new and sound.
10. Leather Campaign Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Leather & brass
Size: 30.3“W x 20.5“H x 20.5“D
Price: $1287
Age-worn leather with a lovely patina is the material of choice for this campaign trunk. Brass riveting & clasps tie it all together. This piece is a particularly large chest in excellent condition.
11. Wooden Storage Trunk
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood
Size: 18.5“W x 11.4“H x 11.4“D
Price: $179
This classy wooden trunk has been decoupaged with coffee-themed items to add a coffeehouse flair to your vintage storage. It is in good condition, ready to display!
III) Small Antique Chests
1. Doll Trunk
Period: 1884
Material: Wood, paper, & metal
Size: 10“W x 6.5“H x 6.5“D
Price: $80
This lovely miniature chest is covered in a paper pattern and finished with a metal edge around the lid. The leather side handles are still intact (a rarity at this age) but the paper is peeling away around the edges. It is overall in good condition.
2. Child’s Steamer Trunk
Period: Late 19th century – early 20th
Material: Wood, metal, cardboard, & paper
Size: 18“W x 9“H x 10“D
Price: $95
A child’s or doll’s version of a steamer trunk, this is a miniature version of the adult size. The wooden box is in excellent condition; the original paper lining the inside as well as the four cardboard drawers are a bit worn, but that’s to be expected. This particular trunk comes with the child-sized vintage outfit that was found inside.
3. Scandinavian Rosemaling
Period: 1920s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 12.5“W x 6.5“H x 5.5“D
Price: $165
Handcrafted and hand-painted, this Norwegian-style box is in good condition with only minor wear. The painting is in dark green featuring pink roses and yellow daisies.
4. Japanese Keyaki
Period: 1930s
Material: Wood
Size: 12.5“W x 9.5“H x 7.5“D
Price: $99
A four-drawer storage chest designed for sewing notions—right down to the pincushion saucer displayed when the lid is opened. One handle head is missing but otherwise this piece is in excellent vintage condition.
5. Wood & Wrought Iron
Period: 1930s
Material: Wood & wrought iron
Size: 11.15“W x 8.25“H x 8.8“D
Price: $68
A miniature “treasure” chest of wood bound in wrought iron strapping. This piece is in good condition, finished inside and out, and ready for you!
6. Woodland Animals Cedar
Period: 1940s
Material: Cedar wood, metal, glass, and paint
Size: 11.25“W x 4.5“H x 7“D
Price: $47
Floral carvings and a woodland scene decorate the exterior of this cozy charmer. Inside, an engraved mirror is set into the lid. This chest is in excellent vintage condition and would be an asset to any collection.
7. Norwegian Rosemaling
Period: 1950s
Material: Wood, metal, & paint
Size: 16“W x 8“H x 8“D
Price: $295
Hand-painted in the rosemaling style, this is a colorful, unique chest. It is sized to store smaller items, trinkets, jewelry, makeup, etc. The chest is in excellent condition, with very minor wear; the lock and key are fully functional too!
8. Farmhouse Cedar
Period: 1960s
Material: Cedar, metal, glass, & paint
Size: 11“W x 5“H x 6“D
Price: $28
Detailed carving & a painted scene of a farmhouse are the highlights of this quaint cedar chest. It is in good condition, with the bottom of the closure missing and slight staining. The mirror inside is in excellent condition and the exterior has been well cared for.
9. Hanky Chest
Period: 1960s
Material: Cedar wood
Size: 9“W x 4“H x 6“D
Price: $28
A small tabletop cedar chest originally designed to store hankies. This piece has some classy mid-century flair to it and is in good condition—ready to store your treasures and/or jewelry!
10. Palm-sized Cedar
Period: 1960s
Material: Cedar wood
Size: 5“W x 3“H x 3“D
Price: $20
Mid-century geometry has left its styling impact on this tiny cedar chest, perfect for trinket storage. The chest is slightly worn around the edges, but the hardware and interior are in great condition.
11. Inkworks Titanic Collector’s Steamer
Period: 1998
Material: Leather & brass
Size: 5“W x 3“H x 4“D
Price: $39
A small commemorative steamer trunk with movie pictures, created to advertise James Cameron’s Titanic, released in 1998. The miniature trunk has been in storage and is unused.
12. Good Luck Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood
Size: 8.625“W x 5.125“H x 3.875“D
Price: $158
Pagodas, foliage, and monks are carved on the sides of this wooden chest. Possibly camphor wood, but it is unclear. The box is in excellent condition with only the usual wear of age.
13. Miniature Cedar Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Cedar wood
Size: 7“W x 10.5“H x 4“D
Price: $20
Art Deco carvings on this cedar chest suggest an early 20th century origin. It is in good condition, well-used and it shows but nothing a little TLC and project time can’t fix!
14. Pirate’s Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 9.5“W x 6“H
Price: $31
This funky little chest, skulls and crossbones with a golden hue, make for a pirate-esque storage container. It is in good condition, except for the broken latch.
15. Treasure Chest
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood & brass
Size: 7.5“W x 4“H x 4“D
Price: $33
A miniature chest in wood with brass riveting and accents, this box is in good condition. It has an unusual clasp and two swing-out trays inside.
IV) Antique Chests 1800s
1. Crouch & Fitzgerald NY Steamer
Period: Early 19th century
Material: Wood, leather, & metal
Size: 32“W x 12“H x 21“D
Price: $375
An extremely classy piece, this steamer is an unusual find. Note the curving leather edges and intricate metallurgy on the clasps. This find is even more impressive for the excellent condition it has been preserved in.
2. German Traveler’s Chest
Period: 1840-50
Material: Wood & iron
Size: 29”W x 15”H x 14.5”D
Price: $3200
A domed top and original skeleton key make this chest look like the classic pirates’ booty piece—although its genuine history is slightly more straightforward: made in Germany, emigrated to America.
3. Stagecoach Trunk
Period: 1850s
Material: Wood, iron, & brass
Size: 28“W x 15“H x 15“D
Price: $285
Iron strapping and edging wrap this wood trunk from the Civil War era. The interior is lined with original geometric paper, which has been sealed to protect it. The piece is an extremely sturdy-built style, usually they were lighter for ease of movement, but the sturdier build means it has been well-preserved.
4. Pennsylvania Dutch
Period: 1879
Material: Pine wood
Size: 48“W x 28“H x 30“D
Price: $875
“Roku 1879” is emblazoned on the front of this pine wood chest, along with tradition floral painted designs. The piece shows the patina of age, but is still remarkably sturdy and crisp, a truly rare and unique find!
5. Brass-Bound Wood
Period: 19th Century
Material: Wood & brass
Size: 45“W x 18“H x 18“D
Price: $420
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.
6. Latticed Teakwood
Period: 19th Century
Material: Teakwood & iron
Size: 32“W x 21“H x 17“D
Price: $950
Iron latticework covered the front and top of this Indian teakwood chest. The piece shows age in patina, but the overall condition of this piece is excellent.
7. New England Pine
Period: 19th Century
Material: Pine wood
Size: 28.25“W x 17.75“H x 15.25“D
Price: $375
Dovetailed joinery and an extremely smooth surface make the artistry of this straightforward piece apparent. An aged patina and mild cracking show the real age of this piece with elegance.
8. Vermont Sponge-Painting
Period: 19th Century
Material: Wood
Size: 40“W x 25“H x 18“D
Price: $800
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.
V) Antique Steamer Chests
1. Wooden Flat Top
Period: 19th Century
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 30“W x 18“H x 18“D
Price: $245
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.
2. French Striped Leather
Period: Late 19th century
Material: Wood, brass, leather, and canvas
Size: 32“W x 23.5“H x 22.5“D
Price: $4306
This steamer chest is in amazing condition for its age, over 100 years old with only minor scuffs and wear. It is a nominally simple design and yet stately, perfect for a display piece with extra storage.
3. Louis Vuitton Monogram
Period: Late 19th century, post-1885
Material: Wood, brass, steel, & canvas
Size: 17“W x 21“H x 29.5“D
Price: $15473
This is one of the Louis Vuitton brand’s earliest designs, the monogram pattern started even before the checkerboard Damier style. This trunk is in excellent condition with minimal wear and a clean interior.
4. Louis Vuitton Damier
Period: 1893-1914
Material: Wood, steel, brass
Size: 23.6“W x 20.5“H x 15.75“D
Price: $8550
The label on this trunk references Chicago 1893 but not the Louis V. Champs-Élysées store that opened in 1914, so this trunk most have been manufactured sometime between those two dates. This steamer is in good condition with the Damier pattern still fully visible, under a collection of travel stickers—it has been well-used and well-cared for.
5. Cabin Steamer
Period: 1910s
Material: Wood, brass, & canvas
Size: 43.3”W x 12.2“H x 23.6“D
Price: $1710
A cabin steamer was a little different than the typical steamer trunk as it was designed specifically to be low enough to slip under a cabin bed (or seat) for long trips. This one is in excellent condition with a clean interior.
6. Tin Poppies Arch-Top
Period: 1910s
Material: Oak wood & embossed tin
Size: 34“W x 22.5-25“H x 19“D
Price: $695
This is a fantastic find, in beautifully kept condition with such detailed embossing work—it’s a gorgeous display piece, plus bonus: storage space!
7. Camelback
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 30“W x 20“H x 16.5“D
Price: $225
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.
8. Green & Brass
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood, metal, & paper
Size: 31“W x 13“H x 17“D
Price: $189
Ink stains on the interior and a smell of old books suggest this vintage steamer trunk was used to store books and writing materials—a quaint picture. The trunk has a lift-out tray with further storage underneath.
VI) Vintage Trunk Suitcases
1. Leather Portmanteau
Period: 1900s-10s
Material: Leather & brass
Size: 34.25“W x 15.75“H x 15.75“D
Price: $2138
Entirely composed of high-quality leather, this English portmanteau is an amazing find from the early 20th century. It is in excellent condition with all original hardware and reinforced corners and edges.
2. Cosmopolis Velum and Brass
Period: 1920s
Material: Velum & brass
Size: 30.7“W x 9.8“H x 16“D
Price: $1710
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.
3. PUKKA for Harrods
Period: 1936
Material: Leather, canvas, & metal
Size: 39.4“W x 13.4“H x 22.4“D
Price: $991
Throughout the 1930s, PUKKA brand made travel trunks sold through Harrods Department Store in downtown London. This cabin trunk sold in 1936. It is short and deep to fit under a cabin seat or bed (depending on length of travel). The case is in good condition, with straps and clasp intact; a few metal grommets seem to be missing around the edges.
4. Tanned Leather Travel Trunk
Period: 1930s
Material: Leather & metal
Size: 34“W x 12“H x 17“D (10” height inside)
Price: $395
A hardy leather case, ready to travel again. It is possible to lock, however the key is lost. One side of the case has wheels, so it is rollable (thank goodness).
5. Gentlemen’s Trunk Suitcase
Period: 1950s
Material: Leather & metal
Size: n/a
Price: $75
This is a classy carry-on trunk from a bygone era. It needs some help, as it has gotten wet at some point. It is being sold as-is for a project piece.
6. Fond-Du-Lac Comdy
Period: 20th century
Material: Leather & metal
Size: 19“W x 11.25“H x 12.25“D
Price: $550
This leather trunk is in good condition, the hardware is in excellent shape. The handles are well-worn and the leather shows wear around the edges, however there are no signs of mildew or mold inside or out!
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. Here are a few factors for what makes a good chest investment:
– Age: the older the antique, the more rare and therefore more valuable it is
– Brand: if a label or signature proves a chest was made by a particular brand, that may influence (like the Louis Vuitton steamer chests further down)
– Artistry: if a chest from a specific artistry style, like the Moroccan inlays or Norwegian rosemaling you’ll find in this list, that will influence as well—especially if, like the inlays, the artwork used rare materials in the design
– Quality: if the piece was well-built and/or has been upkept through the years, then the price well likely be higher than a similar piece that shows more wear
