American Optical Co. 4-tube
The American Optical Co. 4-tube is an early multi-lens camera, a format used in the 19th century for producing several small exposures on a single plate, typically for portrait or tintype work.
Verifiable UK auction data for the 4-tube is extremely thin: a single recorded hammer result of £1,800 in 2006 sets the only reference point for what the camera has sold for at saleroom level, and no recent comparables are available to establish a current 2026 value or range.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2006
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2006 | EUR 1,800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15661) Title: American Carte-de-Viste Camera
Description:
Four-Lens Wet-Plate Camera for 7x7" with holder for four 2¼ x 3¼" exposures on a 5x7" wet-plate marked "Patent October 19, 1858," the cherry-wood body with brass fittings and black cloth bellows, focusing on sliding rail, four brass-bound Benjamin French & Co. lenses mounted on lensboard with flared wood lens shade. With adapter for 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" plates (missing internal wooden septum) Ex Spira Collection. Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an American Optical Co. 4-tube camera worth today?
With only one recorded UK auction sale (£1,800 hammer in 2006), there is insufficient recent data to state a reliable current market price, and any value will depend heavily on completeness and condition.
How much does an American Optical Co. 4-tube sell for at auction?
The single available hammer result is £1,800, but one data point nearly two decades old is not a dependable guide to what the camera sells for in today's market.