Bloch Sherlock-Holmes
The Bloch Sherlock-Holmes is an early detective-style camera, a category produced in the late 19th century to allow discreet photography. Examples are encountered as antique collector pieces rather than working photographic tools.
Sales data for the Bloch Sherlock-Holmes is extremely thin: the only recorded UK auction hammer result is a single sale at £15,500 in December 2009, a wholesale saleroom level rather than a retail asking price. With one data point on file, the Sherlock-Holmes sells for whatever a determined collector is willing to pay on the day, and as of today there is no reliable median or price band to quote.
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: June 2015
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2015 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_14339) Title: L.Bloch Le Sherlock Holmes
Description:
Edmund & Leon Bloch were specialists in disguised and hidden “detective” cameras. The best known of their cameras are the Physiographe cameras disguised as monocular and binoculars. Their Photo-Cravate is a classic, with the camera hidden behind a necktie. But the rarest of their designs is also the simplest. Le Sherlock Holmes is a magazine box camera disguised as a small briefcase. The camera can be operated with the briefcase held at your side. The shutter release is below the camera, totally out of sight, and a small lever at the rear advances the plates. Very rare, only a handful of examples known worldwide, nearly all in museums. This one is in completely original condition with no restorations - ex Jim McKeown Collection Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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| Nov 2012 | EUR 8,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 22 (Lot AI_22_14339) Title: L.Bloch Le Sherlock Holmes
Description:
Edmund & Leon Bloch were specialists in disguised and hidden “detective” cameras. The best known of their cameras are the Physiographe cameras disguised as monocular and binoculars. Their Photo-Cravate is a classic, with the camera hidden behind a necktie. But the rarest of their designs is also the simplest. Le Sherlock Holmes is a magazine box camera disguised as a small briefcase. The camera can be operated with the briefcase held at your side. The shutter release is below the camera, totally out of sight, and a small lever at the rear advances the plates. Very rare. only a handful of examples known worldwide, nearly all in museums. This one is in completely original condition with no restorations - ex Jim McKeown Collection Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 15,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19482) Title: L.Bloch Le Sherlock Holmes
Description:
Edmund & Leon Bloch were specialists in disguised and hidden “detective” cameras. The best known of their cameras are the Physiographe cameras disguised as monocular and binoculars. Their Photo-Cravate is a classic, with the camera hidden behind a necktie. But the rarest of their designs is also the simplest. Le Sherlock Holmes is a magazine box camera disguised as a small briefcase. The camera can be operated with the briefcase held at your side. The shutter release is below the camera, totally out of sight, and a small lever at the rear advances the plates. Very rare. Only a handful of examples known worldwide, nearly all in museums. This one is in completely original condition with no restorations - ex collection Jim McKeown Estimate: EUR 16,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Bloch Sherlock-Holmes camera worth?
The only recorded UK auction hammer price on file is £15,500 from 2009; with a single data point, the current value is best treated as indicative rather than a firm market price.
How much does a Bloch Sherlock-Holmes sell for at auction?
At UK auction, the one verified hammer result is £15,500, but a single sale is not enough to establish a reliable price range.
Why is the price so uncertain?
Only one verified sale is held in our records, so there is no median or range to compare against, and condition and provenance can swing the result significantly.