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Kodak Matchbox Camera

The Kodak Matchbox Camera is a subminiature still camera made by Kodak, named for its compact body shape comparable to a matchbox. It was produced for clandestine use during the Second World War era and is collected today as a wartime espionage item rather than a consumer product.

At UK auction, hammer prices for the Matchbox Camera have fallen in a £1,800–£2,200 range, with the two recorded results sitting close to that band as a midpoint. Because the sample is small and spans two decades, what a Matchbox sells for today depends heavily on completeness, original packaging and documented provenance, all of which can move the value sharply at saleroom level.

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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 2017

Date Price Source
Jun 2017 EUR 1,800 Leitz Auction
Nov 2014 EUR 1,900 Leitz Auction
Nov 2012 EUR 1,900 Leitz Auction
May 2011 EUR 8,500 Leitz Auction
May 2011 EUR 1,600 Leitz Auction
Jun 2008 EUR 3,000 Leitz Auction
May 2006 EUR 2,300 Leitz Auction
Mar 2003 £2,232 Christie's
Mar 1998 £2,990 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Kodak Matchbox Camera worth today?

Based on the limited UK auction record, hammer values have ranged from about £1,800 to £2,200, with condition and provenance the main drivers of price.

How much does a Kodak Matchbox Camera sell for at auction?

Recorded UK hammer results sit between roughly £1,800 and £2,200, though the sample is small and individual results can vary widely.

Why is the Matchbox Camera collectible?

Its value derives from its wartime espionage role and small surviving population rather than from photographic performance, which is why complete, documented examples command the strongest prices.

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