Krügener Taschenbuch camera (Book-Camera)
The Krügener Taschenbuch camera, known as the Book-Camera, is a late-19th-century German detective camera disguised as a small hardbound book. It was designed for discreet photography, with the lens concealed in the spine and plates held inside the book-shaped body.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Taschenbuch have ranged from £2,000 to £4,200, with a median around £3,000 — wholesale saleroom results that exclude buyer's and seller's commission. As of 2026, what a Krügener Book-Camera is worth depends heavily on completeness of the disguise, condition of the leather covering, and whether original plate holders are present. Fully intact examples sell for a premium, while worn or incomplete bodies fetch the lower end of the range.
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 2020
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2020 | EUR 3,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38020) Title: Dr. Krügener Taschenbuch Camera
Description:
very rare and fully original Taschenbuch-Camera - a leather-covered detective camera disguised as a book, for 24 plates 40x40mm, in excellent original condition Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35607) Title: Krügener's Taschenbuch-Camera
Description:
very rare detective camera disguised as a leather-covered book, for square 4x4cm exposures (film holders included), stamped on leather: "Krügener's Taschenbuch-Camera, Frankfurt A/M, Patentiert in fast allen Ländern, DRP 46423" in beautiful original condition Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 4,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30729) Title: Krügener's Taschenbuch-Camera
Description:
very rare detective camera disguised as a leather-covered book, for square 4x4cm exposures (film holders included), stamped on leather: "Krügener's Taschenbuch-Camera, Frankfurt A/M, Patentiert in fast allen Ländern, DRP 46423" in beautiful original condition with original leather carrying case Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Krügener Taschenbuch Book-Camera worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, a Krügener Book-Camera sells for roughly £2,000 to £4,200, with a median price near £3,000.
How much does a Krügener Book-Camera sell for at auction?
Recent UK saleroom results show hammer prices between £2,000 and £4,200, with value driven mainly by the condition of the book disguise and completeness of the internal mechanism.
Why is the Taschenbuch price so high compared to other antique cameras?
Its value reflects scarcity and its status as a disguised detective camera; surviving examples in collectable condition are uncommon, which supports the three- to four-figure price range seen at auction.