Brins Patent camera
The Brins Patent camera is a British miniature/detective-style camera from the 19th century, produced as a novelty disguised concealment device rather than a general-purpose picture-taker. Its rarity and curiosity value have long placed it in the collector category rather than the user-camera market.
Auction evidence for the Brins Patent camera is extremely thin: a single UK saleroom result from November 2020 saw an example hammer at £12,000, and that figure remains the only public price point on which a value today can be anchored. Because only one sale is available, the camera's price today is best treated as indicative rather than a true market range, and condition, completeness and provenance would heavily influence what a comparable example sells for.
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 2020 | EUR 12,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38559) Title: Brins London Patent Detective Camera
Description:
Extremely rare miniature detective camera shaped like a spyglass with handle, it takes 25mm circular plates, with 3.5/3cm lens with a simple front shutter, the 100% original camera is in a complete, beautiful condition with film holder, viewfinder and handle Estimate: EUR 24,000 - EUR 26,000 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 22,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16804) Title: Brins London Patent Camera
Description:
extremely rare miniature detective camerain the form of an spyglass, takes 25mm circular plates, with 3.5/3cm lens in simple front shutter, the 100% original camera in complete, beautiful condition with film holder, viewfinder, handle, all in fitted wooden case stamped SWIFT & SON LONDON Estimate: EUR 35,000 - EUR 45,000 |
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