Hess & Sattler Detective
The Hess & Sattler Detective is an early box-form detective camera, a category of concealed or plain-bodied plate cameras produced in the late 19th century. It was offered as a discreet stills camera at a time when photography outside the studio was becoming practical for amateurs.
Auction evidence for the Detective is thin: a single UK saleroom hammer result of £500 is on record (2016), so any current valuation in 2026 should be treated as indicative rather than a true market range. Condition, completeness of plate holders and original casework strongly influence what such a camera is worth today, and prices quoted here reflect wholesale auction levels rather than dealer retail.
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 2016
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2016 | EUR 500 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 30 (Lot AI_30_34713) Title: Hess & Sattler Detective Camera
Description:
rare 9x12cm wooden detective camera in very good original condition, working shutter, with six plate holders Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Hess & Sattler Detective worth today?
The only recorded UK auction sale in our data hammered at £500, so that figure is the best single reference point for what one sells for, though a sample of one means the true market price could sit either side of it.
How much does a Hess & Sattler Detective sell for at auction?
On the evidence available, hammer prices sit around £500 for a presentable example, with condition and completeness driving most of the variation in value.
Is the Hess & Sattler Detective a rare camera?
It appears infrequently at UK auction — only one verified sale is on file — which suggests limited supply rather than strong active demand at any given price.