1940s Roos Sweetheart Cedar Chest Designed by Leo Jiranek for Ed Roos Company

Description

Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

This striking beauty, with its hand rubbed piano finish, was designed by Leo Jiranek for Ed Roos … more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

This striking beauty, with its hand rubbed piano finish, was designed by Leo Jiranek for Ed Roos Company. It was handcrafted sometime in the early to mid-1940s. The structural frame of the chest and lid, along with the partitioned curved velvet-lined interior tray are made from heartwood red cedar. An interesting assortment of wood veneers and cuts were employed to create the eye catching patterns you see. On the exterior front, to the left and right, you’ll find walnut slip matched veneer panels with satinwood stringer inlays. The front center panel is book matched cherry burl veneer. We believe the apron to be alder wood veneer cut in two styles. The exterior two sides of the chest feature two types of veneer, book matched cherry and rift sliced alder. The exterior top of the entire lid and its sides are, again, what we believe to be alder veneer. An elegant scalloped moulding was used to trim all around the lid and feet. Hand carved moulding in a heart pattern trims the lower portion of the chest, front and sides. On the interior, the chest features “Super-Lock” corner joints for structural stability and copper brackets to hold the partitioned tray in place. The lid attaches to the chest using “wall hugger” hinges, which allow you to open the chest without having to move it away from a wall. The curved partitioned tray is removable and features the original royal purple velvet lining, in excellent condition. To open the lid, just press the push button latch (we do not have a key). Original labels, heart-shaped hanging label, etc. is still attached on the interior. On the underside, a label denoting the style number is present. In overall excellent condition with use wear that is typical for piece of this age. Two miniscule pieces of veneer on the lower part of the apron about the size of baby peas are missing, mostly indiscernible (see photo #10) and in no way diminishes its beauty and utility. Dimensions are as follows:

Chest: 46¼” x 24¼” x 19” W/H/D
Interior: 45” x 16½” x 13” W/D/H
3-Part Partitioned Velvet Lined Tray Overall: 43” x 10½” x 3” W/D/H; compartment left and right 9” x 9½” x 2½” W/D/H; center compartment 12” x 9½” x 2” W/D/H
Weight: Approximately 125 lbs.
Origin: Forest Park, Illinois

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Brief History on Roos Cedar Chests
Roos Manufacturing Co. was established in 1871 by Edward Roos, an immigrant who came to the United States from Sweden in 1848. After his death his two sons, Otto and Edward, took over the family business. It is unclear when production of cedar chests began but by 1916 Edward, the youngest son, established Roos Cedar Chest Company before changing the name to Ed Roos Company of Forest Park in 1918. The Roos family sold the company in 1951 and it ceased operating in 1953. less