Is anyone in a position to debate the relative merits of Ries versus BERLEBACH wooden tripods? What i mean is, is this an apples and orange comparison or they expensive and inexpensive versions of a similar product?

While enquiring about the perfect tripod (and because there is an ongoing thread about Ries wood vs Manfrotto Al) I point out that a camera shop here in NYC lists what is a very good deal price wise over the Ries:

BERLEBACH WOODEN TRIPODS FOR FIELD CAMERAS Preferred by many for their vibration dampening qualities, these ash tripods have been made in Germany for over 100 years. We have selected and stock a model for 4x5 and a model for 8x10.

8023 model: 69" maximum height, 21" mimimum, weighs 6.2 lbs and folds to 27", it has a weight capacity of 22 lbs.
For 8x10 fields we recommend the 2042 model: 65" maximum height, 20.5" minimum, weighs 7.1 lbs and folds to 32", it has a weight capacity of 26.5 lbs.