I have been trying to trace the origins (and determine the value) of an appearing/disappearing bird cage in my collection. The box reads:

Custom Made
AUTO-MAGIC
Star
Production Bird Cage

It's an unusual piece; over 8 inches tall, red top and floor, somewhat concave design (wide near top, narrows towards the bottom. Its most distinguishing feature is the mesh links which make up the cage (very different from all the other props of this kind that I've come across).

Anyone know of this piece; age, value, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Check here.

Thanks, Michael. That's the one.

I was not familiar with the site, either.

Cheers.

I remember that one. It was made from a vegetable basket that was commonly sold in five and ten cent stores (remember those?) for about a dollar. All you had to do was weave a red ribbon around the top (sometimes also around the bottom) and add a wire perch. I remember making one for myself, using it once or twice, and then dropping it from my act when someone recognized what it was. And today they get $75 for it. I should have saved mine to sell on e-Bay! As for age, I believe I last saw these in the 1960's.