At any given time in history, within more or less favourable contexts, investors assess the best way to capitalize on their economic resources. The possibilities are many, from classic financial products such as shares, bonds, funds, or other securities, to alternative investments; assets on which to invest savings, which can represent a way to security, and can even turn into a dream come true. One such example is the investment in valuable historical items, synonymous with tradition and quality, as well as a philosophy of life and a passion.
Restored Berkel slicers fit this outright special category. A brand that has made and continues to make history. A slicer that has become an object of desire, a name that evokes reliability, technology, durability, precision, and performance to levels of excellence. From the intuition of Wilhelmus Adrianus Van Berkel, a Dutch butcher with a passion for mechanics, searching for a solution to better carry out his job, the name Van Berkel has become an iconic and prestigious brand.
Berkel, in fact, thanks to his extensive experience in the field and by listening to his customers’ needs, was able to design an instrument that perfectly reproduced the movement of a slicing hand-held knife. We are talking about flywheel slicers, the first built at the beginning of the last century, today among the objects of “functional art” most sought after for their inestimable value.
For more than 120 years, the Berkel brand has evolved following technological changes and responding to the needs of the market with different models of electric slicers for specific uses. It has however ceased production of its historical models, the authentic vintage slicers that reflect the genuine values and the tradition originated by Van Berkel. The original Berkel slicers, used by delis, butchers, cheese shops, and grocers, had to face the closure or the evolution of these shops and their need to have faster machines such as the electric ones. The Van Berkel vintage slicers have therefore ended up in cellars or penthouses and in some cases, they have been purchased by collectors who love these objects.
But, decades after their production, how is it possible to have a working and safe Van Berkel vintage slicer?
The secret lies in the quality of their restoration procedures, very delicate and complex processes that involve certified methods and food-grade materials. These are operations that only seasoned professionals with over 30 years of experience, such as those of Original Slicers, are able to carry out successfully. Through meticulous artisanal processes, and starting with original pieces, at Original Slicers the hands of time are reversed in order to resurrect the meat slicing machines, safeguarding and preserving every initial detail. It’s about enhancing them not only as objects of value and design but making them fully functional and ready to use at all times. Every piece of the slicer shines through: from the gears to the flywheel, from the blade to the cart. A triumph of chrome-plated steel, which offers a spectacle of rare elegance.
It is not difficult to imagine how such objects become very sought after, both for their aesthetics and design, but also for their investment value. It is therefore representative that one of the two “Model C” remaining in the world, the third model in chronological order created between 1898 and 1906, is part of the permanent collection at the Moma, New York. Berkel slicers are authentic works of art, forbidden dreams for collectors and antique dealers. Berkel is part of a small group of unique brands for three main reasons: outstanding aesthetic value, usefulness from a practical standpoint, and cost-effectiveness from an economic perspective. A rare and prestigious combination of qualities.
Restored authentic Van Berkel slicers are available in a wide range of models, able to fit different budgets. The value of Berkel slicing machines varies depending on parameters such as size, production period, blade diameter, and finally type of flywheel. Buying an original Berkel slicer is an excellent investment opportunity, suitable for those who love beauty, and have a clear vision for the future.
