Houghton Ensignette No.1 (gilt)
The Ensignette No.1 is a small folding roll-film camera made by Houghton of London in the early 20th century. The gilt finish version is a decorative variant of the standard pocket-format Ensignette, aimed at buyers who wanted a presentation-grade camera rather than a plain working tool.
With only a single recorded UK auction result to reference, the gilt Ensignette No.1 has a hammer price of £400 from 2008, and that figure is the only firm value datapoint available today in 2026. Because this is a wholesale saleroom result rather than a dealer's retail price, what a gilt Ensignette is worth in private sale could differ; with so little data, any quoted price for what one sells for should be treated as indicative only.
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: June 2008
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2008 | EUR 400 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16817) Title: Houghton Enisgnette Gold
Description:
extremely rare, gilt finish type 1 in original condition with brown leather bellows, maker's box, Ensignette Developing Tank with instructions in maker's box Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Houghton Ensignette No.1 (gilt) worth at UK auction?
The only recorded hammer price in our data is £400, achieved in 2008, so the available value evidence is limited to that single sale.
How much does an Ensignette No.1 gilt sell for today?
There is not enough recent sales history to give a reliable current price; the 2008 hammer result of £400 is the sole reference point, and condition of the gilt finish will heavily influence what any individual example sells for.
Why is the gilt version priced differently from a standard Ensignette No.1?
The gilt finish was a decorative presentation variant rather than a functional upgrade, so its value is driven by cosmetic condition and collector demand for the finish itself.