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Discover Mid-America - July 2005

Birdcages aren’t just for the birds

Polychrome-painted wooden parrot cage. American. Late 19th century. Possibly used in a carnival or circus. (photo courtesy of Garth’s Auctions, Delaware, OH)

Birdcages have never gone out of style since they found their way into palaces and homes in ancient times. By the 19th century, birdcages of every size, shape and material were a must for Victorian homes in America, England and Europe. These days antique birdcages are treated as collectible and birds aren’t allowed.

Depending on material and design, they are considered folk art. As such they can range in price from several hundred dollars to over $8,000. Folk art versions can be a fantasy of whimsy. One standout was made of tin in the form of an American riverboat complete with the figure of a captain. Made in the 19th century, it had an auction estimate of $7-$8,000.

Architectural birdcages were popular in late 19th century America. I found an example of a Gothic revival, architectural birdcage, loaded with fretwork and gingerbread detailing, at a Florida estate sale. Slightly damaged, I paid $25 for it. The basic material was plywood (in use by the 1860s). Today it would probably sell at auction for $3,000 or more. It is part of my folk art collection.

Also popular at the time were birdcages that copied real buildings. For the wealthy, a birdcage was designed as a replica of their own homes. Others copied well-known churches and museums. Typical Victorian birdcages were made of wirework and wood, topped with one or two domes.

For centuries the Chinese have been creating birdcages that are works of art. Some were made of carved ivory and tortoiseshell. They are considered to have reached their peak of perfection during the Ch’ien-lung period (1735-1790) when caged birds were a status symbol. Even the more common rustic varieties of bamboo and teakwood, still being made in the old styles, are charming.

In 18th century England entire rooms were devoted to live birds and their cages. The furniture designs of Thomas Chippendale reigned in homes of the wealthy and royalty, and his birdcage designs were displayed in home aviaries. They often included Sevres porcelain feeding bowls and silver water containers. At that same time, in Holland, elaborate birdcages were made of wire, combined with delftware inserts and bases.

When mass produced items began being made in the 19th century, the brass birdcage was introduced. Thousands were made into the 20th century and the fashion for birdcages continued through the 1920s and thirties. Designs echoed the Art Deco look, using the materials popular in the eras and were often designed by architects.

By the postwar 1950s, birdcages were relegated to attics. Then, with the burgeoning interest in antiques in the 1970s and ‘80s, birdcages made a comeback, not only as a decorative accessory, but a collectible. If one was good, a dozen made a collector statement. Some wonderful examples from the 19th century were still to be found and prices were modest. Could reproductions be far behind? You bet!

CLUES:

Wirework reproductions with single or double domes began turning up at antique shows with hefty prices in the 1980s. Many of the reproductions have been painted and artificially aged. A clue to age would be signs of layers of old paint.

Miniature birdcages made in dollhouse size from Victorian to the early 20th century could form a collection. “Pipsqueak” toys were also made in birdcage styles with a chalk-ware bird inside. When the bird’s bottom was squeezed, the bird squeaked.

Another collectible would be the many miniature brass birdcages made in Germany. Turn the key and the bird moved and sang.

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