In my view there are two issues to this post:
-Patriotism/chauvinism
-Aesthetics, functionality and price
On the first not a lot can be said; it is more of a feeling.
On the second: it has very classic looks, plain but not really ugly. As has been recorded by owners/users they do the job; on this the phrase used by Mr. S. Bell can be applied to some out there: "My mind is made up, don't confuse me with the facts". Price is clearly very adequate.
In the not distant future there will be doubles made in China and if the requirements are right they can surely be very adequate. They have the manpower and the skills to do whatever they want and have been doing it for a long time. Cloisonné is an example.
I would much rather have a double by A&S or a second hand Purdey, but...
JC
