Preliminary identification

Bulova Miniature Birdcage Novelty Clock, c.1990s

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a delightful miniature brass novelty clock designed in the whimsical form of a Victorian birdcage. It features a small analog clock face at the base decorated with two stylized birds, while two corresponding miniature stone-like bird figurines sit perched inside the cage above.

Story

In the late 20th century, Bulova designed this miniature birdcage as a playful nod to the grand 18th-century Swiss singing bird automata. Instead of complex gears and real feathers, this modern desk accessory captured that same sense of mechanical wonder in a compact, brass-plated package.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1875 by Bohemian immigrant Joseph Bulova, the Bulova Watch Company became a titan of American horology, famous for its precision and innovation. While renowned for historic achievements like the Accutron, Bulova also excelled in creating decorative, high-quality boutique clocks and novelty timepieces for the giftware market.

Condition & Value

The brass plating shows some light surface dust and minor oxidation consistent with age. The original retail barcode sticker is still intact on the felt base. The functionality of the quartz clock movement is unverified and may require a new battery.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.