No information to impart, but just wondering--our Oz and Kiwi friends appear to have more--er--experience with birdcages than in the States. Given that these were probably not state-of-the art when built, but might have served as instruments for the "hunting lodge," or some such out-of-the way second or third home, then it would be reasonable to assume that at the time it would be more economically feasible to ship them long distances with other household effects than to ship a reasonably sized grand or vertical. That they seem to have travelled also to South Africa and Scandinavian countries as well, would seem to speak to the same reality. Do you think that explains why there are relatively few of them in the US? 100+ years ago there was certainly a thriving piano industry in this country, making it less than necessary to import affordable instruments. (Regrettably, times have changed!) Stan Ryberg Barrington IL
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