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Post by americanmommy on Aug 11, 2006 1:43:01 GMT -5
Released in 2000, modified in 2007, retired in 2012.From the AG website: Kit uses her mother’s old trunk for her clothes when she moves up to the attic. It’s covered in burgundy vinyl and trimmed in wood. The top lifts up to reveal a storage compartment where you can keep your Kit® doll, and two drawers with brass handles hold her outfits and accessories. W: 19 3/4", H: 12 3/8", D: 12". A+ (+++) WOW. What can I say? I have been dreaming of owning this trunk forever. It is even better than I ever imagined. The trunk is HUGE. I had read the measurments a million times, but even so , I am still suprised at what a large piece it is! It is heavy and sturdy. It is just wonderful in every way. The trunk is covered in nice, thick, maroon vinyl. It is almost the same color as the maroon historical AG boxes. The vinyl is embossed with a little diamond design. The trunk is trimmed with wood that is painted the same color as the vinyl. The wood is attached with pretty little brass brads. There are decorative brass corners on the top of the trunk, as well as brass hinges and fasteners. The brass has a brushed look to it, it is very pretty. The trunk has a leather-like handle on each end. I have not been using these handles to life the trunk, because it is quite heavy. I am not sure if the handles are actually leather or not, but they look really nice either way. The back of the trunk has a pretty little "American Girl Collection" faceplate. When you unfasten the latches, the front of the trunk folds down revealing a large top compartment and two drawers. The drawers can be pulled all of the way out, if need be. With a little bit of work, I was able to fit Kit's ALMOST COMPLETE collection in the trunk! Well, except for her scooter and furniture of course. The only things missing are her Sailor Suit Pajamas, her Hat and mittens, and her bedspread. The bedspread will go on her bed, and I believe I can fit the other two items in the trunk witout a problem. I am positively delighted with how much stuff this baby holds! As the matter of fact, I could not possibly be happier! A+ for the most awesome trunk EVER.
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Post by Keri on Nov 2, 2006 0:26:10 GMT -5
You can fit some things in with the doll on top, too. There's plenty of room around her legs, though I'm not sure about her head. Beatrice doesn't go in her trunk, though, so I use it to store things I don't want to display - mostly, my Hallmark collectibles.
--- KERI
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Post by sewingmama on Oct 14, 2009 14:21:22 GMT -5
is made of cardboard. Nice cardboard, but still.
My husband and I were at the Minneapolis store a couple weeks ago and this was one of the things on my list. Or, it was until we saw that it's made of cardboard. Also, I didn't know that the lid is not hinged on. It comes off completely and though it does have those latches to stick it back on, it's not nearly as nice as the wooden trunks most of the other collections have. Those are worth the $159, but this... no. Anyone else really disappointed in something in person that looked very nice online?
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arlsdimples
Girl of Many Lands
Order of the Llama
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Post by arlsdimples on Oct 14, 2009 16:54:33 GMT -5
I have Kit's trunk and I love it. The feel of it is extremely similar to the old steamer trunks my mother has in her basement. These may be made of wood but they certainly do not feel like it in the sense of what I consider a wooden trunk. The wooden trunks always reminded me of the wooden linen trunk my mother kept at the end of her bed. Samantha and Kits trunks reminded me of the old steamer trunks she inherited that are in her basement. They (the antiques and Sam's and Kit's) are both very sturdy and heavy. I honestly never expected them to be made of wood. For all I know the outsides are a thinner wood covered in what is supposed to be leather (faux leather) or a fabric. The inside drawers are also like the drawers inside of the antique trunks in the black hole (as my father calls it) in my parents house. Once again, I'm not an expert nor have I examined these in finite detail but I always found the representation to be accurate.
I should note, however, that my Kit's trunk has the lid attached that lifts up as opposed to coming off completely. These changes obviously occurred because of non adult collectors getting smaller fingers crunched when the lids fell down from not being propped up correctly. DD has Josefina's trunk in which the lid comes off instead of lifting. I honestly like this design better because it is easier to get in and out of. But that's just a personal opinion.
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Post by happymargaret on Oct 14, 2009 17:09:35 GMT -5
I purchased Kit's trunk over 4 years ago when the lid/top was still hinged to the bottom and have had no problem with it at all being a sturdy covered Masonite (a type of hard fiberboard). You would be surprised how many things fit into the "cardboard",(thinner masonite), nicely paper-covered drawers. I can only think that it has been reinforced very well for it not to bend or buckle. It is a heavy trunk, and although not 'solid' wood, but a wood product (Masonite), still serves the purpose of storing quite well. We have Kit's, Addy's and Kirsten's trunks here, and I would not hestitate to purchase any one of them again. Each one is unique to its' collection.
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dclmom
American Girl Prototype
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Post by dclmom on Oct 14, 2009 17:24:34 GMT -5
I also have the retired trunk. They must've been on clearance as there were tons of them last year on Ebay which is where I got mine. It has the hinge and the three closures vs. just two. I find it to be very sturdy and I was quite impressed with it. It makes a nice display piece. I paid around $130 shipped- well worth it IMO. I haven't seen the new one.
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Post by Karenhenks on Oct 14, 2009 19:12:58 GMT -5
I have Kit's trunk, the older one, and it's made very much like old trunks of that time, except that it's covered in vinyl, not leather. From the feel of it when empty, I'd say the exterior is pressboard, or masonite covered with the red vinyl. It's very functional. I do wish the vinyl was a heavier guage. I've scratched mine a couple of times; not being careful enough while moving it, and now there are "skid" marks.
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Post by MrsMac on Oct 14, 2009 19:26:05 GMT -5
I love Kit's trunk (which is actually Rebecca's trunk at our house). I didn't expect it to be made of heavy wood (since it's supposed to be a steamer trunk made for traveling and those weren't designed to be heavy or they wouldn't have been able to move them). The masonite exterior is incredibly sturdy and the faux leather covering is really beautiful. The heavy cardboard drawers are well made and hold up to use. I understand why the lid comes off now and though I would prefer a one piece construction it makes sense to make it safe for kids. This is an absolutely gorgeous display piece and provides a ton of storage. Considering Rebecca's tiny trunk with a few clothing items is $100, $159 could be considered a good price for a big trunk like this!
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Post by Zalynnia on Oct 14, 2009 22:35:34 GMT -5
I have the retired one with the hinges and three latches. If I had known it was cardboard I probably wouldn't have bought it. However I didn't buy it, it was a gift and I LOVE it.
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Post by cassandra on Oct 15, 2009 8:21:45 GMT -5
I saw Kit's trunk at AG Natick and had the same reaction as OP sewingmama. It's cardboard. Not something I want. Addy's is much nicer (we don't have either of those dolls, but I was dreaming of expanding to storage at some point in the future). Sigh.
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Post by SailAwayAK~ on Jan 31, 2010 2:19:54 GMT -5
Soooo Kit's Trunk is an amazing piece filled with so much storage space and nooks that I think it's the best one out there. I was lucky enough to pick this one up at MCM with a small scratch in the pleather. (fake leather stuff). The outer covering of the trunk is a kind of synthetic leather-like material. It has a diagonal diamond pattern to it, in a deep burgundy. The lid has brass corners and smaller brass rivets across the top. Those rivets are set atop a small piece of trim. That trip and rivet detail continues around the top, back and front of the trunk. The sides of the trunk have two leather handles held on with brass and rivets. Handling the trunk I have had no issues with breakage. The back of the trunk is actually where the AG nameplate is located. On this side the trim continues and there are two hinges for opening the top. The front of the trunk is where the buckles and latches are. There are three. One larger and two smaller. On this side are some small hinges on the bottom that allow for this side to drop and get you access to the drawers inside. Kit's trunk has a huge amount of storage. Once opened there is the main top compartment and two lower drawers. The top compartment is large enough to fit a doll and some items. We use it to store more of her collection and many of her hats that would get smooshed in the drawers or in other storage. Her top drawer hod quite a plenty. Each of the drawers has a small hinged handle that is riveted. Her bottom drawer is mostly shoes and other accessories. We have been able to fit almost every bit of Kit's collection inside. I am missing but one outfit, two pairs of shoes, and her wash day items. Otherwise her bedding and everything else fits. It is an amazing piece that any doll can use because of it's classic styling and charm. *dead image links removed*
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Post by laura221 on Apr 20, 2011 5:30:31 GMT -5
I received the revised version of Kit's trunk from back order and I couldn't be happier! Again, AG has made improvements and the inside drawers are now made of wood. It is very heavy, but very well made and has a ton of storage. A++
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Post by emchhardy on Apr 20, 2011 7:38:56 GMT -5
I received this trunk as well off backorder but I don't know what you mean by the drawers/inside being made of wood. I didn't notice that. Could you please post pictures? Mine also had the "new" smell - don't know if it was from the paint though but definitely has a smell to it. I do like the trunk. It holds a lot and like the looks of it.
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Post by michelina on Apr 20, 2011 12:00:24 GMT -5
I also received Kit's Trunk the other day, and was thinking the same thing, the drawers are made of wood! I remembered reading in other reviews about the drawers being made of cardboard. So it was a surprise!
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Post by happymargaret on Apr 20, 2011 14:02:54 GMT -5
I have an original, retired, hinged trunk. It too smelled like paint when I received it from AG. It aired out for a while, and then I put a couple of wrapped Yankee candle tarts in the drawers and the top compartment to freshen it. My trunk is mostly constructed of masonite board (a wood product). The drawers are not cardboard, probably a thinner masonite covered completely and nicely with yellow paper. The inside of the top compartment is also completely covered with the yellow paper. Maybe the reason some have thought the drawers were constructed of cardboard is the fact that there is "give" to them due to the thinness of the wood product, Masonite. Looking inside the trunk when both drawers are removed, the heavier masonite (that is really a trade name) is visible. Wood supports are used to hold it all together. The outside of the trunk is covered with a vinyl that simulates leather. They have done a very nice job in putting the trunk together, and it does hold up quite well. It is one of Kit's (and my) treasures! Congratulations on getting a good storage trunk, and also a lovely piece of furniture. Added: Come to think of it, cardboard (paper) is a wood product too and I am glad that there is no cardboard in Kit's trunk!
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Post by francie on Apr 20, 2011 20:15:11 GMT -5
I just got mine today. I'm wondering why they suggested buying hangers? Was that for the old one?
I haven't yet done anything with it. Just unwrapped it and sat down to dinner.
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Post by happymargaret on Apr 20, 2011 20:23:54 GMT -5
There is no place to use hangers in Kit's trunk, unless you want to put them in there for storage.
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Post by jessedroo on Apr 20, 2011 20:25:13 GMT -5
I got mine today too! It is wood!
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Post by francie on Apr 20, 2011 20:35:17 GMT -5
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Post by emchhardy on Apr 20, 2011 21:08:37 GMT -5
Yes, I looked at my trunk again and the drawers are somewhat thick and feel like wood. It's hard for me to compare though because I never saw or felt the version prior to this one.
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Post by BJK14 on May 3, 2011 10:15:34 GMT -5
When I heard that the trunk was made from wood again I couldn't wait to order it. It arrived today and I am very pleased. The two drawers will provide a variety of storage options, a real boon for me since I plan to store all sorts of accessories rather than a collection. There is even space under the bottom drawer to store a small collection of AG pamphlets or other thin (less than 1/4") items. The photos above are representative except for the change from a hinged lid to one that lifts off. Also the main color is a pretty pale yellow that is really set off by the burgundy trim. The trunk is well finished both inside and out. I consider the side handles more decorative than useful; a fully loaded trunk will be pretty heavy. The trunk does have a strong paint smell but a few hours of airing it out should fix that problem. If I have a complaint it's that the trunk comes shipped as packaged from China; there are only four corner styrofoam packing pieces holding it in place. No problem for me but if it's handled roughly in shipping it will be easily damaged. A very sturdy, beautiful piece. Grade A+ I did forget to mention this: there is no AMERICAN GIRLS COLLECTION plaque any longer. I believe the change came about when they went to the lift off lid. Edit for poor proof reading.
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Post by qweensyd1 on May 3, 2011 10:51:23 GMT -5
Its fantastic and can hold tons. A+++++++++
It's a lift-off lid now and the newest ones (like mine that i got during Free Ship) no longer have the "The American Girls Collection" plaque on them.
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Post by kate1283 on Nov 29, 2011 13:20:37 GMT -5
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Post by keliavau on Dec 20, 2011 13:54:53 GMT -5
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 10, 2012 1:01:25 GMT -5
From Playthings: Kit’s Trunk Kit uses her mother’s old trunk for her clothes when she moves up to the attic. It’s covered in burgundy vinyl and trimmed in wood. The top lifts up to reveal a compartment where you can keep your Kit doll, and two drawers with brass handles hold her outfits and accessories. I think it was around 2007 that the trunk became hingeless. For the first time, I actually went the secondhand market route and got me the hinged trunk even though American Girl.com has a perfectly good one still available. : Kit and her trunk...and Tabby the cat's butt. The trunk is made out what seems like either light wood or heavy-duty cardboard. The outside is lined with pleather (misspelled fake leather) and brass details. The brass has tarnished over the years, of course, I don't think my trunk was the best kept trunk ever. As someone has pointed out, this was Mother's traveling trunk, it should be lightweight. The locks are very pretty and look Victorian to me, which would put it correctly in Mother's young adulthood. You can see the pattern of the pleather. The brass details. They are heavier than the leather and feel cold to the touch. I do think it is real brass. The trunk seems like it should be a little longer, there seems something short about it. Kit fits in the top tray. You can slip a few accessories around her, not a lot but enough to keep her from sliding around. If the hats are stacked together, there will be more room for other accessories. I was curious for a long time how much this trunk would hold. The tray holds my Kit's ridiculously large shoe collection along with her hats, socks/stockings, hair things and a couple of other things. The trunk's opening falls down to show two large drawers. I don't know how historically correct it is but it is nice. My Kit has a lot of clothes and her wardrobe is a bit of a tight fit in my drawers. It's a bit tight in my closet so Kit's washday set has to go on top of the trunk. The trunk is wide/long enough to display somethings if you are short on floor. Kit could fit up there as well. In all, I wish that the trunk had a bit more things. I do however love the brass details and the attempt made to make it look like a real trunk. The fact that is the only trunk mentioned in the books is an added bonus. Right now hinged trunks seem to go on the low side on Ebay. My very played with trunk was under a $100 shipped. Even though it seems like it went though the ringer (or the crayon box) the trunk has survived. Kit's trunk is a well made, sturdy piece of storage. A
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Post by askmkids on May 1, 2012 21:38:08 GMT -5
While I prefer and own the 3 latch version, the newer version is fine. I like that they added snaps to hold up the front piece that comes down so you can open the drawers. I feel the quality of this trunk didn't suffer much at all.
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Post by lorilee71688 on Sept 21, 2012 21:55:40 GMT -5
Yep, it's beautiful! A++ I don't understand the comments above about it being cardboard as it is clearly wood. I did see it in the store before buying.
The yellow interior is perfect for the color of Kit's clothes. I layed out all her wardrobe as I saw on display in the store. It sure does hold a ton!
I am glad the brass "American Girl Collection" plate is left off. I have it in my living room and it looks great.
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Post by Wickfield on Mar 21, 2013 16:57:33 GMT -5
Okay, so apparently a dresser trunk is actually a thing: www.tangiblesonline.com/item.php?tag=chan&item_IDX=995I always assumed AG had just sort of compromised and made a trunk with drawers for efficiency, I had no idea there were real late 19th c. trunks that were originally built that way.
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Post by BJK14 on Dec 27, 2017 17:59:35 GMT -5
Since my earlier review I have added an original version to my collection. I don't see any difference in quality between the two and like both versions. Now I just need to find one more at a reasonable price. 😉
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Post by keeperofthepast on Jul 11, 2023 18:27:32 GMT -5
This is such a nice trunk, made of wood with an absolute ton of storage space. the drawers allow things to be separated. Yes, dresser trunk are definitely a thing. My great aunt had one in her finished attic bedroom when my first cousin once removed lived with her.
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