RARE Antique BETTERBABY Bed BABY CRIB Cage SNAKE PROOF

Buyer pays $19.50 for professional packing and insured shipping.(That is for U.S. LOWER 48 only. Elsewhere in the known Universe - request quote.)

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I'd have to look it up, but think this is just about the weirdest baby-related item I've ever seen, and it was made right here in Ohio a long, long time ago - 1914 - 1916. (We've always been rather resourceful here in Ohio as far as keeping snakes and bugs and wild hogs away from our babies.)

What it actually is, is a baby cage, but I'm sure that's not the way it was originally marketed. Here's what amazes me though: It has remained all together and in really, really nice condition. Even the four wire spoke wheels are still there, and they still roll - for when you want to roll the screamin' little rascal a little farther away - like out back under a tree.

You release the catch on the front - lift the screened top door - and toss that little devil in there. Shut the lid, and he's safe from varmits and insects. (There's nothing worse than a baby who's buggier than your coon dog.)

It's not nearly as big as you're thinking. It's just the right size for an infant. It is 21" long by 12 1/2" wide, and it stands 19" tall. If your baby gets to be longer than about 19", you'll have to lay him on his side and fold him up a little. It won't hurt'm. They're made to fold.

If you want to leave it open, you can slide the top down inside the pair of metal brackets on the back. These folks thought of everything!

The metal tag on the front says:
"BETTERBABY
Reg. U. S. Pat. Off.
Pat. May 12, 1914 - - March 14, 1916
THE CALDWELL MFG. CO. , COLUMBUS, OHIO"

You know something? I'll bet Caldwell would be a household name today, someone known for historic innovation, had it not been for those two Wright brothers working just fifty miles down the road at about the same time.

Here at 341, I have two "Prime Directives:"
First: I never, under any circumstances, use a reserve, and everything starts at $9, sometimes even less.
Second: I don't clean, repair, or otherwise monkey around with anything. I push enough dust aside to note any flaws, but if I discovered it in some dusty attic, you can look forward to a little dust on it when it gets to your house. If it has a flaw or a wart, I'll tell you about it.
So rest easy and have some fun. Why not place a little tiny bid right now so's you don't forget about it later.

Amazing! It looks just about like the supports you'd see on a full size bed of the day - likely made to hold a feather tick. Notice there's even a coil spring at each corner so "what's-his-name" doesn't get beaten around too badly as you roll his cage out back.

That same type latch is on both sides of both ends also. Frankly, I think the contraption folds down flat somehow. I may or may not try that. I'm afraid if I get it folded up, you might have trouble untangling the danged thing. Plus, I might peench a blood blister on my finger, and I'd have to charge you a little extra. Think of it as Workman's Cyber-Comp.

The more closely you look at this thing, the more you realize how nicely it's made.

The rubber rims have a dent or so, but I'd call them excellent.

One reason I think it folds up is the leather handle on the bottom. It is split in two near one end, but it's still there. Also, there are hinges where the legs meet the case.

I absolutely guarantee you'll love this very unusual piece. As a store window display, it would certainly draw a crowd. If you're a doll collector, you'll find a million ways to show off your babies. (And, they won't git snake bit!)

GOOD LUCK

Buyer pays $19.50 for professional packing and insured shipping.(That is for U.S. Lower 48 only. Elsewhere in the known Universe - request quote.) All Customs forms will state actual selling price of items shipped internationally.