Bird Cage Rebuilding?

[Patrick C. Poulson]

Hello Pianotechers! This message goes out to those of you with experience in
working on birdcage pianos, and most especially to any Brits out there.  I
have read that you fortunate fellows in Great Britain still service these
old instruments more commonly than we Yanks do.  
    Normally I would run screaming from one of these old relics, but this
one does seem to have remote possibilities of being usable.  It has a two
piece metal plate, and basically modern action parts except for the
overdampers.  It is a Wessex by Milson, #70283.  I can't date it with
Pierce's Piano Atlas, and wondered if there is anyone with a book that shows
this brand.  The owners bought it at an antique store, with out consulting a
technician of course, and want to know what it would take to restore it.  I
gave them all the usual caveats about birdcage pianos, and if it wasn't for
the partially modern design of the piano I would flatly refuse to work on
it.  Has anyone had any experience rebuilding these things? It needs new
strings, dampers, key rebushing,  and a complete regulation. The soundboard
and pinblock are in reasonably good condition, especially for their age. 
Interestingly enough the hammers have very little wear, and may have been
replace, or just not used much. 
    Thanks for your input.  Patrick Poulson, RPT