Is it possible that someone altered them to make them more fashionable at one point? Just curious what history you garnered upon receipt in 1996. Lane made some sideboards, however, I believe they opened from the front, not the top-but I would need to confirm that with a photo or brochure-and I haven't been able to find what I am looking for to do that.

Later they often referred to the top opening pieces on legs as lowboys (ironic because the legs made them higher). Back then they called this style a console style. I found two that are very close from the 19 newspaper advertisements. Is it possible some of the numbers rubbed away? You do not mention value in your post so if you're interested in value you can add that request or start a new question. Just in case you're interested, this site seems to have the most information about the Lane company. I'm not sure if you can obtain information from this site but maybe. This may have more about the years before 1912. There is a book on the company history that you may be able to order from your local library (too expensive to buy): 'During these early years the firm's growth was restricted by elementary manufacturing methods, difficulty in securing financing, and a crude finished product.' This comment was also made in their history which seems to be saying the first chests were more or less 'poorly made'. There is a Virginia Museum of History & Culture that has some information about the Lane company but it appears they only provide a phone number for contact but if you have not tried this then it is one step to try. History of the company states the building was purchased in 1912 and machinery was purchased after that so I cannot see how the 1911 date could be correct.

I cannot find any records that show Lane made anything before 1912. I thought perhaps they started building in a shed or something before opening the plant but that does not appear to be the case.

Lane cedar chest serial value