CameraWorth.com

Ansco Photo Vanity

The Ansco Photo Vanity is a collectible novelty camera produced by the American photographic manufacturer Ansco, designed as a combined camera and ladies' vanity case rather than a conventional photographic tool. It is sought primarily by collectors of unusual and decorative camera-related objects rather than by working photographers.

At UK auction, hammer prices for the Photo Vanity have ranged from roughly £690 to £880, with the two recorded sales sitting close to a midpoint near £780. As of 2026, the model still trades as a scarce collector's piece, and value is highly sensitive to the completeness and cosmetic condition of the vanity fittings, since damaged or incomplete examples sell for considerably less than they are worth when intact.

I have one to sell

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.

Date Price Source
Nov 2023 £875 Flints Auctions
Apr 2022 £1,625 Flints Auctions
Nov 2015 EUR 2,400 Leitz Auction
Nov 2011 EUR 1,700 Leitz Auction
Nov 2007 EUR 1,500 Leitz Auction
May 2007 EUR 1,600 Leitz Auction
May 2005 £840 Christie's
Mar 2004 £1,195 Christie's
Mar 1998 £690 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is an Ansco Photo Vanity worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer results sit between about £690 and £880, so a complete, presentable example is typically worth somewhere in that range, with condition and completeness driving where a specific piece lands.

How much does an Ansco Photo Vanity sell for at auction?

The two recorded UK auction sales price the Photo Vanity at £690 and £875 respectively, giving a working midpoint near £780 for clean examples.

Why does the Ansco Photo Vanity command collector prices?

It is an unusual hybrid object combining a camera with a ladies' vanity case, and that novelty value, rather than photographic performance, is what drives its price among collectors.

What should I check before buying one?

Confirm that the vanity fittings, mirror and interior components are original and intact, and that the camera section is complete, since missing or replaced parts sharply reduce value.

Other Ansco cameras