I find it interesting, but hardly surprising, that the Herse racing bikes went to Japan. The interest in Herse touring bikes is centered in Japan and that interest (quite attenuated) merely extended to the racing bikes. What is most surprising is that not a one went to France! Whatever reputation Herse created in the racing world it doesn't appear to persist among French collectors. The number of bidders on the Herse bikes were few, not only because few Japanese bidders participated in their sales, but, no one else did either-neither Frenchmen, or Americans, etc. The conclusion is obvious, Herse racing bikes don't have the appeal of his touring bikes. As a contrast (not in "opposition" as March would like to suggest) such is not the case with Masi racing bikes. The number of bidders were large and worldwide in scope. The widespread interest and reputation of Masi in the racing world has always been strong and continues to be. Now, I'm in agreement with March (an Herse dealer) in that I see no reason why one can't collect both Masi and Herse bikes. What would facilitate collecting Herse bikes would be more realistic marketing of Herse bikes, for example lower or no reserves at auction, and the elimination of silent ("blind") auctions-a type of sale in which only the seller knows the number of bidders and the amount of their bid. Discerning buyers generally do not participate in this kind of sale for obvious reasons. A better "playing-field" will increase interest and sales. George Hollenberg MD Westport, CT, USA
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA