Several firms have sold "reproduction" instruments successfully.  In
fact, these are not usually exact reproductions.  David Ramey's Encore
Banjos, for example, are an improved version in many ways, though they
look old.  Dean Organs in England has a Ruth 33 reproduction which
imitates the voicing of the original, but is not an exact copy of the
facade, and they use blowers.  On the other hand, Siegfried Wendel's
Weber Maesto reproduction even has a copy of the original electric motor!
I might also mention Marc Fournier's Limonaires which have been popular
for some years.

As for resale value, Dave Ramey has seen his Encores sold as originals at
auction!  Actually, the instruments reproduced are so rare in their
original form and their popularity so high that a good copy should retain
its value.  (They must sell for well less than a restored original,
however.)  This would include a nice Bruder reproduction.  I can also say
there would be a small market for replacement parts like pipes and
keyframes (many have been converted to roll-operation).

I would encourage Jaeger & Brommer to build one replica and use it to
sell more. If it is well-made, it should be a success.  By the way, what
Bruder will you reproduce?  Wilhelm, Gebruder, or...?

Can we have a vote?  :-)

Philip Jamison¶
West Chester, PA USA