Sell Photographica at Auction
Free valuations · Early cameras, stereo photography and magic lanterns, sold to collectors worldwide
Photographica in Our Specialist Sales
Photographica covers the wider world of early photography: the cameras, lenses and optical devices that came before modern film cameras. We include it in our Fine Photographica sales and our regular camera auctions.
Recent results include a Linhof stereo panorama folding camera with Cooke lenses at £1,600, a Ross London brass portrait lens, stereo cameras such as the Nanna 6 and Belplasca, mahogany and brass field cameras from makers such as Thornton Pickard and Sanderson, and Victorian magic lantern slides.
What Counts as Photographica
Photographica is anything collectable connected with the history of photography. These are the areas we regularly sell:
Items We Sell
- Early wooden and brass cameras, including mahogany field and hand cameras
- Brass lenses from makers such as Ross and Dallmeyer
- Stereo cameras and stereoscopic equipment
- Magic lanterns and lantern slides
- Cine cameras and early projection equipment
Condition and Completeness
Original cases, complete sets of slides and working mechanisms all help, but worn or incomplete items still sell to collectors and restorers. Please don’t polish brass, clean lenses or try to repair anything before the sale. If you have early photographs or albums, send us photos and we’ll tell you whether they suit our sales.
Free Photographica Valuations
Send photos through our online valuation form, including any maker’s name, plate or serial number, or book a visit to our Carshalton saleroom. We’ll come back to you with an honest estimate.
- Free, no-obligation estimates from photos or in person
- Probate valuations for executors
- House clearance for larger collections
- Insurance cover while your items are in our care
Whether it’s a single stereo camera or a lifetime’s collection, you’ll get the same care and an honest estimate.
Collectors Bidding Worldwide
Every lot is photographed and described with its maker, date where known, size and condition, then offered live online so collectors anywhere can bid.
Why Sell Your Photographica with Us?
Dedicated Fine Photographica sales
Honest, detailed descriptions
Online bidding open to collectors worldwide
Paid within 7 days of your lot being dispatched to, or collected by, the buyer
Not sure whether something counts as photographica? Send us a photo and ask.
Recent Photographica Results
| Lot | Description | Estimate | Hammer price | Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | Vat Linhof Munchen Stereo Panorama Folding Camera With Cooke Anastigmat Lenses | £1,600 – £2,400 | £1,600 | Sep 2026 |
| 82 | A bolex 16mm camera switar | £150 – £160 | £425 | Jan 2026 |
| 21 | Adams De Luxe hand camera No. 3 pattern no. 121 A. Adams & Co., London; quarter-plate, black-leather cover… | £400 – £800 | £410 | Mar 2026 |
| 58 | Ross London 6½ inch Express f/2.9 Large Format Brass Lens Rapid Portrait Lens Serial No. 200730 | — | £260 | Jun 2026 |
| 72 | Nanna 6 Stereo Camera S/N 311 | £200 – £400 | £250 | Jan 2026 |
| 241 | a 9 Victorian kaleidoscope magic lantern slide with brass mounts | — | £70 | May 2026 |
| 116 | Antique Instantograph Patent Field Camera By Archer And Sons Liverpool | £40 – £60 | £65 | Sep 2026 |
| 66 | Belplasca Stereoscopic (3-D) Camera | £40 – £60 | £60 | Jan 2026 |
| 75 | A FED Stereo 35mm Stereoscopic Viewfinder Camera black, serial no. 753151 serial number 753151. This is a r… | £100 – £200 | £55 | Mar 2026 |
| 71 | Thornton Pickard Imperial Triple Extension Mahogany Brass Half Plate Camera | £60 – £120 | £55 | Sep 2026 |
Hammer prices, excluding buyer’s premium. See all auction results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is photographica?
Photographica is the collecting field around the history of photography: early cameras and lenses, stereo cameras and viewers, magic lanterns and slides, and related equipment.
Do you sell old photographs and albums?
We’ll gladly look at them. Send us photos and we’ll tell you whether they suit our sales or would do better elsewhere.
Will damaged or incomplete items still sell?
Often, yes. Collectors and restorers buy items that need work. We describe condition honestly, so please don’t try to clean or repair anything first.
How do I get a free valuation?
Send photos through our online valuation form or by email, or book a visit to our Carshalton saleroom. There’s no obligation to sell.
