My mother was absolutely nuts about primitive antiques when I was growing up back in the '70s. When I put together my new Primitive Furniture Price Guide, I couldn't help but think of all the pie safes and blanket chests that passed through the doors of her antique shop. It still makes me smile to think about her enthusiasm for what many people considered to be plain old junk, and I thank my lucky stars she passed that love of old stuff right down to me.
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These blanket chests can be amazing. They really run the gamut price-wise. You might find one for a few hundred dollars in OK shape with a single color painted surface. Or you can see prices in the multiple thousands for a piece in great condition, turned or carved feet, and a great complex painted surface like this Pennsylvania German blanket chest from York County, PA. Also known as a Mannheim blanket chest, it has a grain-painted surface created by painting the base yellow, then applying a burnt red glaze on top and creating a pattern with a rag. Thanks for your memories!