Mid-Century Modern Dining Table or Desk segment (Lane Furniture Altavista)
Table (likely Dining, Coffee, or Desk component) · Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s) · Lane Furniture (Lane Co.) of Altavista, Virginia
Type
Table (likely Dining, Coffee, or Desk component)
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1960s)
Material
Solid Walnut and Walnut Veneer with high-quality core material
Age Estimate
Produced in 1969 (indicated by the '69' in the stamp code)
Dimensions
Detail shows a segment of a surface; typical Lane dining tables are 29 inches high and 60-72 inches wide
Origin
Altavista, Virginia, USA
Designer/Maker
Lane Furniture (Lane Co.) of Altavista, Virginia
Value Estimate
Table value ranges from $800 to $2,500 depending on the specific line (e.g., Acclaim or Perception) and overall condition
Description
This piece showcases the iconic underside markings of Lane Furniture, a staple of American mid-century design. The wood displays the rich, warm tones of walnut that defined the era. The alphanumeric stamp '104 - C2 - 69' acts as the factory's tracking code, with '69' specifically denoting the production year, reflecting the peak of high-volume, high-quality American furniture manufacturing.
Key Features
Factory heat-stamped identification codes (104-C2-69 J); characteristic Lane walnut grain; serial number dating system
Color & Finish
Warm amber with dark brown grain; finished in a satin lacquer typical of 1960s production
Construction Method
Industrial machine-manufactured with factory precision, typical of large American mid-century manufacturers
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Butt-jointed veneer with precision factory gluing; high-quality commercial-grade assembly
Wood Grain & Species
American Black Walnut; features a cathedral grain pattern with visible pore structure
Surface Treatment
Factory spray lacquer; smooth-sanded with a natural wood stain application
Upholstery Details
None; solid surface furniture
Hardware & Fittings
Hidden; the underside features stamped inventory numbers and factory identification
Origin & Provenance
Altavista, Virginia, USA
Condition Notes
Underside appears in Very Good condition; wood shows no signs of water damage, rot, or structural cracking; stamps remain crisp and legible
Interesting Facts
Lane Furniture serial numbers can often be read backwards to find the production date, though this specific alphanumeric string is a product/batch code style
Cultural Significance
Lane was instrumental in making high-quality, architecturally-inspired modern furniture accessible to the American middle class post-WWII
Similar Pieces
American of Martinsville or Broyhill Brasilia pieces; distinguishable by the specific font and format of the factory branding stamps
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid silicone-based polishes which can cause finish build-up; maintain consistent humidity
Value Estimate
Table value ranges from $800 to $2,500 depending on the specific line (e.g., Acclaim or Perception) and overall condition
Sustainability Notes
Represents vintage longevity; solid construction designed to last for decades rather than years; avoids modern fast-furniture waste