Houghton Ticka, solid silver
The Houghton Ticka is a small watch-form camera made for concealed or pocket use, produced in Britain in the early 20th century. The solid silver version is a precious-metal-bodied variant of the standard Ticka, positioning it as a higher-grade item when new.
Data on what a solid silver Ticka is worth is thin: a single Christie's auction record from 2000 shows a hammer price of £2,232 at saleroom level (wholesale, excluding commission), so today's value in 2026 is best treated as indicative rather than settled. With only one known sale in the dataset, the price a clean example sells for can swing materially with condition, completeness and provenance.
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: December 2010
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 2,300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11830) Title: Houghton Ticka Solid Silver
Description:
extremely rare version hand-made from solid silver, 5x hallmarked, with Newton finder, in very fine original condition Estimate: EUR 3,800 - EUR 4,200 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20694) Title: Houghton Ticka Solid Silver
Description:
extremely rare version, hand-made from solid silver, 5x hallmarked, with Newton finder, in perfect condition Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Jul 2000 | £2,232 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 205) Title: Ticka silver camera
Description:
Ticka silver camera Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000 |
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| Mar 1998 | £2,300 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 304) Title: Silver Ticka camera
Description:
Silver Ticka camera Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Houghton Ticka in solid silver worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction evidence available, a solid silver Ticka has sold for around £2,200 at hammer, though with only one recorded sale the true market value could vary significantly with condition and demand.
How much does a solid silver Ticka sell for at auction?
The one verified UK auction hammer result on file is £2,232 from a Christie's sale, which gives a reference price rather than a reliable range.
Why is the solid silver Ticka more valuable than the standard model?
The precious-metal body adds intrinsic material value and rarity on top of the camera's collector interest, which is why it commands a premium price over the common nickel-finish Ticka.