I just stumbled on this site, and seen the pic of the moon and stars ball.
I too have 5 of these- I just recently took 3 down for a partial roof replacement on my old 1800's farmhouse. Yes, they are still installed with the original braided copper wire. I was told back in the 1920's was the original installation.
Unfortunately they are missing the copper end caps, but I see reproductions on ebay available.
I never realized these were worth that much money, let alone the fact that they are the rare amethyst color
Should I take these down and preserve them?