I love the fact that original negs are truly 1 of 1.
I think there is, or will be, a solid market for vintage original negs. We may see that they will become quite sought after and their prices will reflect their desirability. Although they can be fragile, prone to deterioration and can be tough to adequately display; they will still find buyers. Collectors buy many items just to stash away. Collectors don't display every photo or card they own. Negs can be acquired and then stored away just like everything else. I think that they are now collectibles in their own right and not just a means to produce photos.
I haven't heard any updates recently, but the collection of original Conlon negs (glass plates only) was slated to be sold off sometime this summer by the receivers of the Rogers' holdings. I am sure the sale has been pushed back considering I haven't heard any push leading up to the sale.
Here are a few of my original Conlons 4 x 5s on acetate safety film. He switched to acetate from glass in the 1930s. Note the company name on the envelope he stored one in.
