Chest (retired)

[thanx2mj]

Introduced in 1997 (with hinged lid) for $155, modified in 2007 (removable lid), retired in 2012.

Josefina’s exquisite wooden chest is a traditional New Mexican treasure. It’s elaborately carved on the front and sides and has heavy, rustic hardware. The joints are fashioned with mortise and tenon construction—just as they would have been in 1824. There’s plenty of storage space inside, and a removable wooden tray on top that’s just Josefina’s size!
H: 12 1/2", W: 23 1/2", D:11"


Hinged Version:
I love Josefina's trunk! It arrived a week ago via UPS. Its pictures on americangirl.com don't do it any justice.

It is way light in weight, even when I filled it with Josefina's things. It has a nice smooth finish to it. Compared to Kit's trunk, which I also own, it is longer and slightly taller. The lid opens and sits back nicely. It has a leather hinge that holds the lid to the rest of the trunk. The inside is a compartment and a tray for Josefina. I was able to fit all that I own of her collection, save for the furniture, into the trunk. The trunk also has handles so it can be carried easily. On the outside it is very pretty, prettier in person than online.

grade: A+

[indy22]

Hinged Version:
I just received my trunk and I am very happy with the quality of it. I would agree with the A+ rating.

I had purchased an older version on ebay that had some wear and tear, but I really wanted a new one with no flaws. So I have the unique opportunity to compare an older version (silver AG metal plate was on the old one) to the new version (black flat paint AG metal plate). The older version had more varnish or gloss to the wood on the outside than the newer version. I actually like the newer version better because it is less shiny, it has more of an oiled look than a shiny one.

Both trunks weigh the same, so it is safe to say that Mattel has not cheapened it with lesser quality wood or hardware.

I think this trunk is the best trunk out of all of the collections, hands down. Another nice feature is the domed top. You can load more than just the doll in the top tray and still close it.

The only other observation I would like to add is that on my new trunk, the leather hinge on the inside needed some stretching for the lid to go far back enough to stay open on its own. Very easy to fix.

[EofA]

Mine is a hinged version. Since even grown-ups and older kids manage to slam their fingers in things, the non-safety hinges were undeniably skirting the edges of safety no matter how historically accurate. I don't know if child safety was a significant impetus for change but with that issue in mind, I was not surprised to see the trunk redesigned without the hinges. I think it was a smart move for AG to make. Any version of this trunk gets a resounding A from me as an adult collector. If I was buying for a child, I don't think I would give the hinged trunk more than a B for practicality because of the safety issues.

Josefina's trunk is a beautiful piece of furniture. Carving is on the front and two sides but the back is plain with only The American Girl Collection metal plate (black in my version). The trunk is very spacious inside, and if the cat would move out of the way, I'd soon fill it with my complete Josefina accessory and clothing collection (desk fits, other pieces of furniture do not).

As other reviewers have mentioned, the trunk is very light-weight and has cut-outs on the side for easy portability.

Truly a wonderful piece! It's practical for storage, but will also look lovely as a stand-alone piece of furniture once I move it into another room.

Close-up of carving:


Back:


Tray on the top which lifts out (ignore grumpy cat and plastic bus):


Inside with tray removed:


People dither over buying this piece and I can't imagine why that is. I mean, either you like it or you don't, can make room for it/use it or not, and think the price is worth it or isn't. It's a truly unique piece of furniture and you'll not find the link anywhere other than from AG.

[American Girl Rescue]

Hinged Version:
Josefina’s Chest
Item #JT (F7607)
$159
W: 23 1/2" x H: 12 1/2" x D: 11".

"Josefina’s exquisite wooden chest is a traditional New Mexican treasure. It’s elaborately carved on the front and sides and has heavy, rustic hardware. The joints are fashioned with mortise and tenon construction—just as they would have been in 1824. There’s plenty of storage space inside, and a removable wooden tray on top that’s just Josefina’s size!"

Absolutely beautiful! This is a great heirloom quality piece of furniture. Just wanted to show off a picture with Josefina beside it for size comparison. Grade A+

Josefina and the back of her (retired, hinged) Chest

[browneyedgirl]

Non-hinged Version:
I also want to add to the glowing reviews of Josefina's trunk. I just received it and it is absolutely beautiful. It is larger and lighter than I imagined it to be.

My version is the newer version without the hinges and although one of the previous posts talks about the plate on the back of their newer version mine does not have any plate on the back at all.

Hands down my favorite AG piece of furniture!

A+

Kristin

[scandia]

I cannot say enough good things about this trunk.

All the clothes and accessories from my 8 Historical dolls easily fit inside! Plus the trunk is rather lightweight while at the same time being sturdy. The carvings are absolutely beautiful.

A+++++

[green chile supergirl]

Hinged Version:
This trunk is patently amazing. The woodwork is absolutely gorgeous, it's very sturdy, and it holds everything Josefina owns, except for her furniture! I got mine at MCM for $75, but if that hadn't been an option, it would be well worth it to save up for it at retail price.

It's a few inches wider than Kit's trunk, which I also own. When we moved to our current apartment, I had to buy a new bookcase to display it on, because it didn't work out to have it on the floor. If you're looking for an bookcase to put it on, I used the Ikea BESTA line, which fits the trunk perfectly.


I can fit all of Josefina's accessories on the top tray. They all fit together very nicely. (You can also see some extra stuff I've gotten for her- that fits too!) In fact, until I found another storage solution, I was able to fit Kaya's belongings (save teepee and animals) in the trunk as well.


All of Josefina's clothes, shoes, hats, and cloth accessories fit in the bottom. Initially I had kept the hats on top, but when I removed Kaya's things, the hats fit easily in the bottom as well.

I love Josefina's trunk. If they wore more affordable, I would buy a second one so that Kaya could have one too!

[askmkids]

Hinged Version:
I was at the AG store today and had time to look at the doll trunks. I am very disappointed in the way that AG makes Josefina's trunk. I have an older version and I love it! It is well made, sturdy and twice as heavy as the one now offered by AG. The newer one doesn't have the circle thing in the front along with no hinges. The wood is lightweight and cheap feeling. The carving isn't as nice either. This trunk has been cheapened and I wouldn't buy this version. If you want one, I would highly recommend finding an older version.

[melangell]

Non-hinged Version:
I know there are those that LOVE the older version with the hinges, but I love the current version (haven't seen the older one). I like being able to lift the lid completely off and set it wherever there is room. The top is domed so if it was hinged and swung open, I'd have to place it where it was out from the wall to open it.

It is a nicely crafted piece of wood and I feel that it really enhances my Josefina collection. It also holds all her clothing and accessories easily.

I got Josefina's trunk at the beginning of the year after hearing that they would be discontinued. I wanted to be sure I got one.

I really wanted a new one since I wasn't interested in the hinges. I haven't seen a PC one with hinges, but because of the domed top, I think it would have to be pulled out from the wall to open it up. I like the removable top.


Front of the trunk


Close-up on one of the panels on the front


side view. Note the cut outs to put your fingers in to pick it up.


Back view. The new trunk doesn't have the black Pleasant Company plaque .


Holds all my Josefina clothes easily. I could put all her accessories in here except her furniture, but I'm using them in a display.


Close-up of how leather straps on the tray are attached. Very ingenious.

I give this trunk an A+ for beauty and functionality.

[Colonial Rose]

Does the lid stay on securely when on or could it be easily knocked off if the trunk is bumped?

[leezen]

Non-hinged Version:
It stays on securely. It doesn't hook in any way, but I can move the trunk around easily, or bump into it, and the top stays on just fine. I purchased this trunk when it was on sale late in 2011. I too had always admired it, and I am very happy to have it. I keep it out in our living area, and always receive compliments on it. And although I know it's less historically accurate, I, like melangell, like how the lid lifts off. It is in a corner, and I wouldn't be able to open the lid all the way if it was hinged. I find it easy just to lift it off and set it aside while I get what I need from inside.

[ladoyle]

Non-hinged Version:
I too, second the fact that the lid comes off, and I don't have to move it out from the wall to open it. My trunk is beautiful and fits quite well in our family room without looking like a toy, or even a doll trunk! I have all of Josefina's outfits in it, plus a lot of Kaya's things too. I can't say enough about how wonderfully it works out for me.

[Wickfield]

Hinged Version:
Hmm, interestingly my trunk (which is an early one, around 2000) doesn't have those leather pulls in the tray. It has the holes, but there's no indication there were ever any pulls in there. I don't know if mine was defective or if the earlier ones just lacked them or something. But I definitely think they'd be useful!

I got the original hinged one on Ebay for less than the current one, actually.

Anyway, I like it because it holds all my Josefina stuff (except the bigger furniture and the doll) and it makes the collection seem really...historical somehow. Like seeing everything in one place, in a big carved trunk, makes it seem like a real person's trunk someone found. It's kind of satisfying.

[auri]

Josefina's trunk is beautiful as well as very useful. It's a great addition to an AG collection and, depending on your home decor, a terrific accent piece.

Last chance purchases are definitely anxiety producing. I tend to prioritize them over anything new unless, as with the NOLA girls, a super deal comes along. Judging by the early response to Caroline, I don't think we'll see anything comparable for her but one can hope.

[rellygirl7]

Non-hinged Version:
I love this trunk! Since it doesn't seem like AG is planning to offer trunks anymore, I think this purchase was well worth prioritizing. I have the newest version. I have never seen the original so it is hard to compare, but I love it just the way it is. I wish I had Molly's, Samantha's, and Felicity's trunks/wardrobes as well.

[keeperofthepast]

A friend has this. This is probably the only trunk that cab hold a doll's entire collection. I also think it looks absolutely fabulous just on display in a room.