Yes..I know I have a particular hang-up about this "constructeur's" frames...but certainly not about their design or the quality of their build.
It's just that...Well..why are folks willing to pay so much money for them? I'd buils a couple of new ones, cast lugs and all, for that sort of money.
Take the latest example on Ebay - item No 7178117200, a fairly standard pleasant road frame, not a dressed-up randonneuse or anything tricky or exotic or difficult to build. It is currently standing, with just over a day to go..at over $1600. Hey...and that's just for a frame that really needs a respray.
Compare that with the Baines Whirlwind bike that is going through Ebay. For the same amount of money you get a rare design, cast lugs, probably a high standard of craftsmanship in the build quality; Baines' in my experience not being known to deteriorate badly, or break, a superb spray-job...and all the kit to ride it away on. Just ask yourself what..if it existed a Herse "Gate" might cost?
This is an appeal for help...Really! Can anyone explain how these prices are justified..OK market forces etc etc..But I have a score or so of frames very similar to this Herse, all with cast lugs, nice seat-stay top-eyes, all with impeccably mitred tubes within the bottom-bracket shell...all by skilled, but generally unknown builders ie no head-badges, decals etc...and all French.
There must be someone out there can explain this phenomenon..my inability to understand isn't all down to my senility.
Norris Lockley..Settle Uk..trying to sort the wood from the trees..so to speak