Lancaster Special Brass Bound Instantograph
The Lancaster Special Brass Bound Instantograph is a late-Victorian British field camera, built as a wooden plate camera with brass binding for added durability. Lancaster of Birmingham produced Instantograph models from the 1880s onwards, positioning them as affordable plate cameras for amateur and serious hobbyist use.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Special Brass Bound Instantograph have sat in the £50–£80 range across the two tracked sales, with a median around £65 — wholesale saleroom results that exclude buyer's and seller's commission. As of 2026, this keeps the model firmly in the entry-level antique-camera bracket, where condition of the bellows, brasswork and woodwork drives what a clean example is worth.
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: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | £80 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 1) Title: A J. Lancaster ''The Special Instantograph'' Half Plate Mahogany & Brass Field Camera
Description:
A J. Lancaster ''The Special Instantograph'' Half Plate Mahogany & Brass Field Camera, body G, some tarnishing, dulling to brass, bellows G, with R & |
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| Aug 2023 | £50 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 192) Title: A Lancaster special Instantograph Mahogany & Brass Quarter Plate Camera
Description:
A Lancaster special Instantograph Mahogany & Brass Quarter Plate Camera, brass bound, with later added brass level bubble, tarnishing to brass, |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Lancaster Special Brass Bound Instantograph worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, recent examples have sold for between £50 and £80, giving a working value guide of roughly £65 for a complete example in honest condition.
How much does a Lancaster Special Brass Bound Instantograph sell for at auction?
The two tracked UK auction sales cleared at £50 and £80 at the hammer, so the current price range sits around £50–£80 before commission is added.
What affects the value of a Brass Bound Instantograph?
Condition of the bellows, integrity of the woodwork and brass binding, and the presence of an original lens and plate holders are the main factors that move the price within the observed range.