Houghton Ensign Cinematograph
The Houghton Ensign Cinematograph is an early British motion-picture camera, produced by the London-based Houghton firm in the cine equipment category of the early twentieth century.
Auction data for this model is extremely thin: a single recorded UK saleroom result from 2003 saw an example sell for £822 at hammer (wholesale level, before commission). With no further comparables since, it is not possible to give a reliable today's price band, and what a Houghton Ensign Cinematograph is worth in 2026 will depend heavily on the next example to surface and its condition.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: December 2010
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Dec 2010 | £340 | £340 | 🇬🇧 Bonhams | |
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Auction: Mechanical Music, Cameras, Scientific & Collectors Items (Lot 11) Title: Ensign Cinematograph camera
Description:
Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd. London, No. 15, 35mm hand cranked with folding viewfinder and Aldis-Butcher Anastigmat f3.1/2ins lens with shade. Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| May 2008 | £600 | £600 | 🇬🇧 Bonhams | |
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Auction: Mechanical Music, Cameras, Railwayana, Fire Service & Police (Lot 514) Title: Ensign Cinematograph camera
Description:
No. 343 with maker's roundel of Houghtons Ltd. London, 35mm tropical type polished teak body with brass reinforced corners and joints, folding Newton type viewfinder, Aldis-Butcher f3.1/2 inch anastigmat lens, hand-cranked double claw movement with 32 tooth sprocket and double guide rollers mounted on sprung pressure arms. With film spools and film, lacking crank. (4) Estimate: £700 - £1,000 |
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| Nov 2003 | £822 | £700 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, CINE CAMERAS AND CAMERAS (Lot 386) Title: Ensign cinematograph camera
Description:
Ensign cinematograph camera Estimate: £500 - £800 |
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| Nov 2000 | £293 | £249 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 131) Title: Ensign cinematograph camera
Description:
Ensign cinematograph camera Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Nov 2000 | £411 | £350 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 133) Title: Ensign cinematograph camera
Description:
Ensign cinematograph camera Estimate: £300 - £500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Houghton Ensign Cinematograph worth today?
On the only recorded UK auction sale, one example sold for £822 at hammer in 2003; with no recent comparables, current value is uncertain and would need a fresh sale to confirm what it sells for in today's market.
Is the Houghton Ensign Cinematograph a rare camera?
Public auction records for this model are very scarce, which suggests it appears on the market only occasionally rather than regularly.
How much does a Houghton Ensign Cinematograph sell for at auction?
The sole documented hammer price in our data is £822, achieved at a UK saleroom; this is a wholesale figure and excludes buyer's premium.