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Gandolfi Tailboard Camera

The Gandolfi Tailboard Camera is a British-made wooden field camera of the tailboard pattern, where the baseboard folds down and the lens standard draws out on rails. Gandolfi built tailboard cameras in London from the late 19th century, positioning them as professional plate cameras for studio and landscape work.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for Gandolfi tailboard cameras have ranged from around £290 up to about £800, with a median near £490 across the records we track. More recent sales in 2019–2020 sit at the upper end (£500–£800), suggesting values today hold firmer for complete, presentable examples, while earlier 2000s results show what a Gandolfi tailboard sells for when fittings or bellows are compromised.

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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 2025

Date Price Source
Nov 2025 £525 Flints Auctions
Nov 2024 £625 Flints Auctions
Nov 2022 £875 Flints Auctions
May 2020 £796 Flints Auctions
Oct 2019 £504 Flints Auctions
Oct 2017 £276 Flints Auctions
May 2005 £480 Christie's
Sep 2004 £262 Christie's
Mar 2003 £293 Christie's
Feb 2002 £293 Christie's
Sep 2001 £199 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Gandolfi Tailboard Camera worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, a Gandolfi Tailboard Camera is worth roughly £290 to £800, with a median around £490; condition of the bellows, woodwork and brass fittings drives where a given example lands in that range.

How much does a Gandolfi Tailboard Camera sell for at auction?

Recent UK saleroom prices have been £504 in 2019 and £796 in 2020, while earlier Christie's sales recorded £480 and £293; these are hammer figures and exclude buyer's premium.

What affects the price of a Gandolfi tailboard?

Bellows integrity, completeness of the back and plate holders, originality of brass fittings and the presence of a period lens are the main factors that push the value toward the upper end of the observed range.

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