Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Feeders! Feeders! Feeders!

As a self-confessed Hendryx Hoarder, I must admit that my hoarding also includes feeders.  I am always on the search for vintage or antique feeders, especially Hendryx.  Let's get a few pictures in here first.  The photos are not current, but show part of my feeder collection.
 The acrylic display box is for my older feeders.  Some have been dug from privies by others.  One is hand blown. One is china that was hand painted.  The feeders on the top shelf used to have metal bands on them like three do now.  They clipped over a bar on the cage.  They don't have the attachment parts like the newer feeders do.  The tin-topped feeders on the left and right ends of the second shelf also have metal attachment clips on them.  The bottom right feeder is made of climax milk glass by J.M. N.Y.  It was patented on Jan. 24, 1882 and when held to the light, it has fiery orange-red colors like clam broth.
    
The second display case is mainly for the 'barrel' shaped feeders and others of like size.  The red felt in the back makes the darker green and black feeders difficult to visualize.  Six are depression glass in the second row.  The last 5 on the third shelf are O. Lindemann & Co. feeders.  The bottom row has several from Occupied Japan.  The second to last one on the bottom shelf could be an unlabeled Osborn.  


 This is a close-up view of the middle of the second shelf of the acrylic display box.  These are embossed Hendryx except for the double-lipped feeder in the front  middle.  Although it has the characteristic look of an Osborn, it is unlabeled.  
The back row left is a sturdy, thick glass feeder for Hendryx breeding cages.
Back row right is a hard-to-find feeder with a 1917 patent date.  It's in two pieces: a glass bulb and a nickel tray.  It was touted as the best way to provide fresh water for birds. Front row left and right are milk glass and cobalt glass cups respectively.
                      .  
This is my Hendryx box.  
Top row starts with a hooded, winged plastic feeder. This was developed in the Deco period and used in the hatbox, scalloped and half-circle chrome cages.  I have another type of plastic feeder (not pictured) that is just the plastic box without the hood or wings.  They have clasps in the back to rest between two cage wires.  They are on a late 50s, 60s cage.  Second are milk glass cups. Next are opal glass oval feeders.  They are translucent when held to the light.  Last is a clear cup.
Second row starts with a great example of the Dupont Duco feeders.  Advertised as 'unbreakable', they were sold in complimentary colors to the cages they accompanied.  Matching stands were available also.  Next are milk glass feeders with a uniquely designed edge.  These are box feeders but much  fancier than the usual box feeder in the bottom right corner.  Third on the second row are clear glass oval-shaped feeders.  These are 'out there' and occasionally can be seen for sale.  Last is the "T" feeder that was made for the early brass cages.  If you have a Victorian cage, or a round cage, you are using these feeders.  The patent date is October 27, 1875.
Bottom row has another Duco feeder.  This one is flatter as it has been smooshed a bit.  But...as advertised...it didn't break!!  Next are the clear glass Art Deco feeders. These have reinforced openings and are made of thicker glass.  Third in line are the milk glass oval feeders.  These are on the brass cages that are after the Victorian age (I believe).  The cages have the traditional feeder openings for any of the later feeders.  These  milk glass feeders were more expensive than the clear glass ones but must have been more popular.  There are a lot more of these seen for sale unlike the clear glass ones.  The last feeder is the traditional winged box.  This feeder is usually found on the square or rectangle brass cages that have the cut-out hearts for seed guards.

Since these pictures were taken, I've purchased 2 "frosted" Hendryx feeders.  They are the oval shape, but have a frosted appearance.  The surface is slightly rough.  I've only found one reference to these feeders in the four trade books that I have.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at my feeder collection.  I am always on the lookout for more Hendryx feeders.  I know that there were milk glass hooded feeders used.  I just haven't found any yet.  If any one of you has feeders that I don't have, I would be thrilled if you would contact me.  You won't be able to add to the blog, but if you contact me at tweetthings53@gmail.com, I will add the photos and your comments as a guest contributor.  Also, if you comment and want a specific answer, please contact through the email address so I have your email address.

Thank you and have a great summer.


5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi barbera, I recently started collecting hendryx bird cages, and I'm wondering if you know anything about an adjustable hendryx stand, because I picked one up at a local antique shop yesterday, and I payed what seemed to me like quite a bit if money, so i hoping you know more about it. And also, don't worry, I haven't polished any yet, but are old brass cages and stands worth more tarnished, or polished?

Barbara said...

Thank you for your comment and addition to the post. I appreciate it. Congratulations for the starting of a wonderful journey in collecting Andrew B. Hendryx cages.
I know of two adjustable Hendryx stands: one has an oval harp and a HEAVY cast iron base. It's brass. The adjustable part has a 1/4" thick glass plate that is 8" in diameter. This plate allows a cage to sit on the plate and still be positioned in the middle of the harp. There is a hook at the top of the harp that allows the cage to be hung if preferred. The second one is brass also with the heavy base. It has a harp that is shaped like a box-shaped 'C'. It too has a glass plate on the adjustable part.
Both of these are heavier and more substantial than the other brass stands that Hendryx provides. These are the only two that I've run across that are adjustable.

Your question about tarnished or polished is an age-old question. I would like other readers to correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that most collectors appreciate the 'aged' look of a piece. Wikipedia states "Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms over copper, brass, silver, aluminum, and other similar metals as their outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction...Tarnish actually preserves the underlying metal...and is called patina." Collectibles are usually referred to as possessing 'patina' instead of tarnish. (sounds better too!)

As you encounter more Hendryx cages, you will begin to see the subtle differences in the metal as well as the subtle and not-so-subtle differences in the art form of the cage itself.

I think I will post an entry that will cover some of the pitfalls I encountered with being a new collector. Give me a day or two to complete it and check back. I hope it will be of interest/help to you.

I am interested in seeing pictures of your stand but don't know if you can add pictures to this blog. If you can, please do so. If not, please send them to me at tweetthings53@gmail.com. I will post them.

Thank you, again, for writing. I look forward to hearing from you. This goes for others, too, who have ideas on patina vs shiny, or other adjustable stands by Hendryx.
Barbara

Snooks said...

Trying to find hendryx vintage plastic hooded feeder cups. Do you know where I can find them or something to substitute brand wise that will fit into my hendryx cage?

Barbara said...

Thank you for your question. It's a common one as people move into the mid-century cage models and have difficulty in finding the feeders. I've found several Hendryx in the groups of feeders some sellers offer on ebay. I've purchased the group then only taken the Hendryx feeders, leaving the rest to be sold again by the owners. The "Crown" feeders will work also. Sometimes you can see a Crown cage for a reasonable price and just take the feeders. I may have a pair that I can sell you but will not be able to look until tomorrow. (Wed). Please email me at tweetthings53@gmail.com and I will contact you after I search things out. Please include a picture of your cage. (Just to satisfy curiosity). Thanks again for the note. Barbara

Barbara said...
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