I am trying to find an apprasial of an object titled "birds in a gilded cage". Two mechanical birds that move and sing when wound up in side a brass cage set on a pedastal. Formely made in France and shipped through a dealer in New York. Roughly 100 years old with an apprasial value of $750 in 1902. The apprasial value was from a publication which went along with the piece when I originally bought many years ago. Can anyone help me or should I just leave it to my greedy kids?

-- richard razzante (rrazzante@mbusa.net), November 16, 1999

Answers

Response to birds in a gilded cage

"Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List" (Three Rivers Press, 1998) lists a singing bird music box, with birdcage, two feathered birds, worn bellows, and key, 20 and one half inches, French, as worth $1,130. But such values depend on the specifics and condition of each piece, so I would have yours appraised. Good luck!

-- Liza Montgomery (liza@thebee.com), November 16, 1999.