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Q How do I find a buyer for about 13,000 sheets of popular music dating from the Civil War era to the 1970s? I had an offer from a restaurateur who wanted to wallpaper his restaurant with them. I cannot let this collection be ruined forever.

— Peter, Tucson

A You are one smart collector to think through the sale before acting.

We get a number of queries on sheet music, so here are points to consider: Since the early 1900s, it was produced in quantity and is plentiful today. Very little is rare, but collectors buy vintage based on the cover. Therefore, subject and condition count. The most popular covers are sports figures, history ties, entertainment stars, and, as always, pretty women. If autographed by the star, value soars. Finally, few examples sell for more than $2 to $5. There is a huge price jump between ordinary and desirable sheet music.

Those very old sheets, if of the period and not late reprints, may be another story. Because of that, I'd catalog the lot and send a list of those you deem remarkable to an auction house that sells books and manuscripts. If they pass, try a house that will sell the lot as a whole. Or, sell on eBay or another online auction where masses of collectors buy. Bundle the newest, least-promising examples.

FYI: "The Gold in Your Piano Bench: Collectible Sheet Music," by Marion Short (Schiffer, $29.95), shows desirable examples.

Q We've had this table for more than 40 years. People told us it is a bird-cage table. Can you give any info?

— Don & Nancy, Tulsa, Okla.

A "Bird cage" refers to a support that is a section of a tilt-top table, directly under the top. Consisting of two blocks separated by columns between the tabletop and the pedestal, it allows the top to tilt and pivot. If your table has that device and the top tilts, the table is bird cage.

The 21-inch-high table seen in photos is in the style of a piecrust table. That means it has a round top with a scalloped edge resembling the fluted edge of a piecrust. Philadelphia cabinetmakers from the 18th century are celebrated for piecrust tables in the Chippendale style. Originally, the low tables were used as candle stands or tea tables. The style has been copied in many versions and in all grades since that time.

This is a mass-produced piecrust table from the late 1920s to the 1940s that appears to be fashioned of solid walnut. There is machine fluting on the pedestal and legs.

The style is nondescript, fitting no specific era. One indicator is the feet. Bulbous and unformed, they are more generic than stylistic. Ditto for the legs, which, while curved, are splayed rather than arched.

The solid wood and good condition of the piece are pluses, but lack of height presents problems for contemporary use. A period furniture enthusiast might pay $125 to $150 retail or at auction.

Q I want to sell a golden oak Singer treadle sewing machine, but have no idea of value. Someone told me the number on the machine might provide info. The belt is gone. Can you help?

— Margaret, Tulsa, Okla.

A Visit www.singer.com for a key to that serial number. Serial numbers on Singer sewing machines manufactured prior to 1900 are numbers only. After 1900, machine serial numbers have a single or two-letter prefix.

The key indicates that your machine is part of the E series, made in 1919. Since Singer sewing machines date to the early 1850s, yours is somewhat recent.

Most post-1900 Singer machines sell (if/when they do) for less than $200. They are a hard sell, unless a buyer specifically wants that model. Some buy for the cabinet, to modify and use as a drawer unit. Replacing the belt may be a problem. Your best bet on selling is locally.

The Smart Collector

By Danielle Arnet