French Architectural Antique Birdcages....Buildings in Miniature

During the reign of Napoleon III, France was making its most elaborate architectural birdcages.

Many cages were copies of real buildings...castles, churches, and palaces ...

some bird owners even commissioning cages to be replicas of their own homes!!

The details of turrets, balconies, doorways, and windows appealed to collectors.

I have even seen clocks included!

Collectors such as Alexander Wilson Drake were fascinated with the principles included in the design.

(Drake's impressive collection is now part of Cooper-Hewitt Museum's permanent collection)

I smiled at the inclusion of the spikes atop the roof..

Keeping birds away from the building?

In the 18th century, birdcages were often designed to sit atop tables, however,

the 19th century saw more cages designed with flat backs to mount against the wall...

allowing a simple background to highlight the intricate architectural detail of the cages's front.

This painted 19th c French architectural birdcage's detail and size (36" long, 25" tall, 16" deep)

makes it a great centerpiece for your collection.

Come see it at Marburger Farm Antique Show in Roundtop, Texas

Opening day Tuesday, March 29

Tent C, Booth CD8