Houghton Duchess
The Houghton Duchess is a British-made folding plate camera from the early twentieth century, produced by the London firm Houghton (later Houghtons Ltd / Houghton-Butcher). It was sold as a portable amateur instrument in the era when sheet-film and plate folders dominated the consumer market.
Sales data for the Duchess at UK auction is very thin: the single recorded hammer result on file is £156 from October 2017, so any current 'worth' figure today should be treated as indicative rather than a reliable median. At saleroom level, value is highly condition-sensitive — bellows integrity, shutter function and completeness of the lens and plate holders drive what a clean 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.
Prices updated: October 2017
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2017 | £156 | Flints Auctions | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 246) Title: A Houghtons 'The Duchess' Half Plate Mahogany Field Camera
Description:
1900, with unmarked f/8 brass lens, in shutter, body, G-VG, holes to bellows, lens, G-VG |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Houghton Duchess worth today?
Auction evidence is limited to one UK hammer result of £156 (2017), so a precise current price cannot be given; condition, completeness and working shutter are the main drivers of value.
How much does a Houghton Duchess sell for at auction?
The only recorded UK auction hammer price on file is £156, achieved in 2017 — too few data points to establish a reliable range.
Is the Houghton Duchess a collectible camera?
It has interest as an early British folding camera, but with sparse sales history its market price is unpredictable and largely determined by condition and originality.