I doubt that any
"reproduction" or "knockoff" pieces will ever become collectable, but weirder things have happened.
Meanwhile, rare originals (usually those in shorter supply) continue to sell like hotcakes.
Case in pouint; the Eames ESU systems from the early 1950's originally sold poorly and they haven't held up over the years, either.
original ESU units are usually sold by the auction houses and they can bring big bucks.
If I wanted an ESU unit (which I don't), I'd buy a new one because the materials have been improved.
Technically,
a reproduction should be an item that is approximated by one company long after the original company has gone out of business and the item is renamed and slightly adjusted as to know be libel for a lawsuit.
The Sonneman Tamiri lamp is REPRODUCTION of the Trienalle lamp originally made by Arteluce.
The Vitra clocks are REISSUES, since they're as close to the exact original Howard Miller clocks as possible, and they're reissued with full permission of the Nelson Estate.
Define 'investment'
When you say "gain value" are you talking about monetary value or inherent value? Generally speaking buying an authentic piece - current production, reissue, or licensed production - will yield better value through use, that is, it will hold up better. (I know there are some exceptions to the rules here) And in money terms you will always be able to sell a reissue for more than the knockoff. Some examples are the Eames 670 lounge - which still retails 2-6k for vintage pieces in all kinds of conditions. A personal example is the Eames LCW - I bought a red one years ago for 500$. When I decided I wanted a walnut version the retail price had jumped to 630$. I was able to sell mine (in good condition) for 575$ - actually making money on it after 5 years.
Of course, all things are dependent on the market. If you're selling modern in a time when modern is down you wont get as much money - although I think Modern will be always be around as a style - its just too simple and clean to be fad-ish.
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