Lancaster Improved Special 86
The Lancaster Improved Special 86 is a 19th-century British plate camera, sold in the era when Lancaster of Birmingham produced a range of mahogany-and-brass field and stand cameras for glass-plate photography.
Auction evidence for the Improved Special 86 is thin: a single recorded UK auction hammer result from 2001 stands at £164, which gives an indicative value rather than a reliable market price in 2026. Because this is a wholesale saleroom figure rather than a dealer asking price, what the camera is worth today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, completeness of the original lens and plate holders, and current collector demand for early Lancaster apparatus.
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: March 2001
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2001 | £164 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 240) Title: Improved Special 1886 tailboard camera
Description:
Improved Special 1886 tailboard camera Estimate: £150 - £250 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Lancaster Improved Special 86 worth today?
On the limited evidence available, one example sold for £164 at UK auction, so that hammer figure is the only firm price reference for what the camera is worth, with condition and completeness driving any variation.
How much does a Lancaster Improved Special 86 sell for at auction?
The only recorded saleroom result in our data is £164 hammer, so the price a given example sells for in 2026 is likely to track that order of magnitude rather than a precise figure.
Why is the value of this camera hard to pin down?
With just one verified auction sale on file, there is not enough trading history to establish a reliable median or range, which is why the confidence in any quoted value is low.