Lots of good responses on this subject, so I'll offer my own humble opinion. There were lots of artists in renaissance Italy and Holland. Only a few names have survived as "Masters". When we really get down to it, there are hundreds of framebuilders today, but still, only a handful would qualify as "Masters". Perhaps some will be like Van Gogh and not recognized for their brilliance until long after they die. For me, an original (paint and unrepaired or modified) from one of the current "Masters" will be seen as a rare collectible in a few years. Not that I think you should sell your mutual funds to invest in frames, but let's face it, there is a difference between the top rung of framebuilders and everyone else. Venorate them, venerate them, or just stand in awe, they are artists and deserve recognition. Lou