Furniture and Accessories Review: Rebecca's Sideboard and Her Souvenir Set

Rebecca's Sideboard and Souvenir Set

 

 

 

Ah the beauty of sales...

 

 

I said earlier that I was beginning to think AG might price themselves out of the market, but I may actually be wrong. They have offered so many sales lately-I managed to score the sideboard when it was on sale for $65 (it usually retails for $130) and the souvenir set for $12.

 

They have also had sales on the dolls. I've often thought that would be a good marketing strategy and here's why. I think we can all logically agree that paying $36 for a doll outfit is just as crazy as paying $120 for a doll. We know this. But the sticker shock gets us, and suddenly $36 for an outfit seems more reasonable than a $120 doll. So if they put the dolls on sale every once in a while, parents will buy the dolls and then they'll have a few years of buying $40 presents. It's a pretty smart idea.

 

But I missed the doll sale because I was broke. I didn't miss the other sales and now I'm ready to review the things I bought! So, without further ado, here is my review of Rebecca's sideboard and her souvenir accessories!

 

First, the sideboard:

 

 

Rebecca was already ready for her close-up!

 

 

Okay, so what is a sideboard exactly? Basically, it's a piece of furniture made to serve food (people would get up and fill their plates, like at a buffet), to show off fancy dishes and silverware, and for storage. The sideboard first appeared in the 18th century but became very popular in the 19th century. The sideboard was a way to showcase wealth, since they were originally seen only in dining rooms. Having one indicated that a family had a room solely for dining. I like to think that this is an antique piece of furniture from Russia that has been kept in the Rubin family.

The item itself is very nice-it is made of a light wood with semi fancy carvings alone the top. It also has a mirror. The food could be displayed here.

 

You can open the "drawers" under the board top (it's actually just one long drawer). Inside, the drawer is lined with purple felt to protect the family treasures. In person, the felt looks more red than it does in the photograph. The Rubin family could store items in here, like their dishes or cutlery.

 

Below that, you have two cupboards-there's a piece of wood between the two sides. This is the only part of the sideboard that I DON'T like. I feel like the sideboard would be more useful storage-wise without the divider. Rebecca's various accessories (like her candles and candlesticks for the Sabbath) could be stored down here. I don't have those so for now, I'm displaying her souvenir accessories.

 

Overall, I love the sideboard. I think it a sturdy little piece of furniture and great for displays! In my opinion, it's worth the $160, so I certainly think I grabbed a great deal!

 

On to the accessories!

 

 

Rebecca gets these items when she goes to Coney Island in honor of her brother's Bar Mitzvah. Rebecca is kind of jealous that she doesn't get a fun party. (Yes, there are some branches of Judaism where girls get an equivalent celebration, but not all, and I don't think Rebecca qualifies as a Reform Jew. I am almost certain her family is Orthodox, but I may be wrong, and I would love for someone who knows more about it than me to discuss this.)

 

The first item is a carousel, probably modeled after a ride at the theme park. It actually moves and plays music-the tune is a waltz by Mexican composer Juventino Rosas called "Over the Waves."

 

I like it okay and I like the song, but I think it's a little big and oversized. Not a major issue-I just wish it was smaller. I also wish it had a turn dial to play the music.



 

There's also a poster with a list of attractions at Steeplechase Park. Coney Island had several different parts, and Steeplechase Park was known for the rides. The picture doesn't really show the text. You could see 25 big attractions for 25 cents when you bought the combination of admission ticket. It's a neat little slip of paper-it adds some realism to the set.

 

Next comes a little memory book with a seashell motif-you can put the postcards inside the book. I haven't done that yet-I wanted to show you the original product.

 

Next comes Rebecca's ride ticket. It comes on a little string so Rebecca can easily hold onto it.

I think this is adorable and it's probably my favorite part of the set.

 

Finally, there are seven postcards from Coney Island that have sticky backs-you can stick them in the memory book.

 

This isn't my favorite accessory set, but it was only $12, so I'm not complaining too much. It normally retails for $32 which I think is a bit steep for what it is. I bet you could find it secondhand on eBay though.

 

***

 

Alright let's address some rumors.

 

Allegedly, the 1950s doll will be released in August. The African American BeForever doll, touted by American Girl to try and cover their racist butts, will come out in 2016.

 

There are rumors going around that Caroline and Josefina may be on their way to retirement. I don't think that's true for Josefina since she has her journey book coming out, but who knows? I wouldn't be that shocked.

 

I was always under the impression that Caroline sold really well, but I've been informed that, while SHE sells well, her collection does not.

 

So if you want any items in their collections (I need Josefina's oven, bed and bedding, her goat, and her night shift, and I need Caroline's almost everything) hurry up. I might not be able to-I have a lot of bills right now, but that doesn't mean you should miss out.

 

Anyways, enjoy! And check out my list of blogs you should go look at!