Houghton Ensign Autospeed
The Houghton Ensign Autospeed is a British-made plate camera produced under the Ensign brand by the London firm of Houghton-Butcher. It is an early-twentieth-century focal-plane plate camera aimed at advanced amateurs of its era.
Auction data for the Ensign Autospeed is extremely thin: a single UK saleroom hammer result of £129 (Christie's, 2001) is the only verified data point on file, so any current value estimate is indicative rather than firm. As of today, fresh hammer prices at UK auction would be needed to confirm what a clean example sells for, and condition of the focal-plane shutter cloth is likely to be the dominant factor in what one is worth.
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: July 2001
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2001 | £129 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 339) Title: Auto-Speed camera no. F7837
Description:
Auto-Speed camera no. F7837 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Houghton Ensign Autospeed worth today?
Verified UK auction data is limited to a single hammer price of £129 from 2001, so a reliable current value cannot be quoted without further sales; condition of the focal-plane shutter will heavily influence what one sells for.
How much does an Ensign Autospeed sell for at auction?
The only recorded saleroom result on file is £129 hammer at Christie's in 2001, which gives a rough historical reference point rather than a guaranteed current price.
Is the Ensign Autospeed a usable camera?
It can be used if the focal-plane shutter curtain is intact and light-tight and suitable plate or sheet-film holders are available, but most surviving examples need servicing before reliable exposures are possible.