Malaconotus wrote:......................viz. the fancy box with a copy of the Brooks Bugle etc., which seems to be targeted at the Amercian market...............
I've often wondered about that myself. I've had a couple of duff Brooks saddles in the last two or three years - both sorted out by the retailers - after no little effort on their part, I understand - and I've wondered whether Brooks ever meant the saddles to be used, rather than kept as collectors' item, to be flaunted by rich Americans in front of less-rich Americans. The saddles do look very good indeed, and together with the boxing and accessories included, are certainly attractive.
The replacement for my Duff 'Pro' isn't satisfactory really, but the replacement for my B17 has done 5,000 miles+ in the last few months, and I have to say it is perfect so far.