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Lancaster Merveilleux

The Lancaster Merveilleux is an early British-made plate camera produced by J. Lancaster & Son of Birmingham in the late 19th century. It was sold as an affordable hand or stand camera during the pre-cinema plate era, aimed at amateur photographers of its day.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Lancaster Merveilleux have spanned roughly £74 to £550, with a median around £180 based on a small sample of saleroom results. Today in 2026 the value depends heavily on completeness and cosmetic condition, and a single well-preserved example in 2017 sells for far more than the tired examples that passed through Christie's in 1999. Because only a handful of auction records are available, what this camera is worth can swing sharply between sales.

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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: July 2025

Date Price Source
Jul 2025 £81 Flints Auctions
Oct 2024 £110 Special Auction Services
Oct 2017 £156 Flints Auctions
Jun 2017 EUR 550 Leitz Auction
Mar 2014 EUR 360 Leitz Auction
May 2006 EUR 330 Leitz Auction
Nov 2003 £188 Christie's
Mar 2003 £152 Christie's
Nov 2002 EUR 365 Leitz Auction
Jul 2001 £105 Christie's
Sep 1999 £126 Christie's
Sep 1999 £74 Christie's
Jan 1999 £230 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Lancaster Merveilleux worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, a Lancaster Merveilleux is worth roughly £74 to £550, with most examples falling in the lower half of that range.

How much does a Lancaster Merveilleux sell for at auction?

Recorded UK saleroom prices range from £74 at Christie's in 1999 to £550 in 2017, so the price realised depends strongly on condition and completeness.

Why do values for this camera vary so widely?

The sample of sales is small and spans nearly two decades, and condition, originality of the lens, and presence of plate holders all materially affect value.

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