When I started playing flugel with a brass band back in 1988 after playing soprano cornet for 20 years or so, I believe the flugel supplied was an Imperial. I certainly couldn't get on with it even after practising 2 hours daily.
I bought my Bach Strad three months later and it was like a breath of fresh air.
I haven't looked back since. I certainly wouldn't buy a 2nd hand B&H Imperial. Have a look at this Hawkes model (I believe this is the model used by Tara Fitzgerald in the film Brassed Off) this might give you some idea of what the Imperial might go for.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...e=STRK:MEWA:IT