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Lancaster Special Instantograph

The Lancaster Special Instantograph is a Victorian-era British plate camera produced by J. Lancaster & Son of Birmingham, introduced in the 1880s. Built as a folding mahogany-and-brass bellows camera for dry plates, it was sold as a general-purpose field camera during the late 19th century and remained in the Lancaster catalogue for many years in successive sizes.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Special Instantograph have ranged from roughly £50 to £210, with a median around £80 — these figures are saleroom results and reflect wholesale levels rather than dealer retail. As of 2026, what a Special Instantograph is worth today hinges heavily on completeness of the brass fittings, condition of the bellows, and whether a period lens and plate holders are present; tidy, complete outfits sell for multiples of what a stripped body fetches.

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Sales History

Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.

Prices updated: April 2024

Date Price Value GBP Source
Apr 2024 £80 £80 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Aug 2023 £80 £80 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Apr 2023 £50 £50 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services
Mar 2022 £212 £170 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Feb 2022 £162 £130 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Sep 2005 £96 £80 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jul 2001 £329 £280 🇬🇧 Christie's
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Frequently asked questions

What is a Lancaster Special Instantograph worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer prices sit in the £50–£210 range, with a median value near £80. Complete examples with a clean lens and plate holders sell for the upper end of that band.

How much does a Lancaster Special Instantograph sell for at auction?

Five tracked UK saleroom results show a price spread from £50 to £212, so most examples change hands for well under £250 at hammer.

Does condition affect the price significantly?

Yes — bellows integrity, brasswork, and the presence of a period lens and plate holders are the main drivers. A rough body with missing accessories tends toward the £50 end, while a complete outfit pushes past £150.

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