Lehmann Ben Akiba Spazierstock (Walking)
The Lehmann Ben Akiba Spazierstock (Walking) is a disguised detective camera built into a walking stick, a form of concealed photographic apparatus produced in Germany in the late 19th century. Cameras of this type were sold to a niche clientele interested in covert photography, and surviving examples are scarce, which shapes how the market values them today.
At recent UK auction, the two recorded hammer results for the Ben Akiba Spazierstock were £17,000 in 2016 and £16,000 in 2018, giving a narrow range of £16,000–£17,000 and a median around £16,500. These are wholesale saleroom levels, so what a Ben Akiba walking-stick camera sells for in the auction market in 2026 will depend heavily on completeness of the cane, presence of original film spools, and mechanical condition; with only two data points, any one example could trade outside that 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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2018 | EUR 16,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36915) Title: Lehmann Ben Akiba Walking Stick Camera
Description:
extremely rare 'spy' camera in perfect original condition, nickel plated brass body with matching lens. Emil Kronke patented his cane handle camera in Britain (1902), Germany (1903) and the United States (1904). It was manufactured by A. Lehmann of Berlin and marketed as the Ben Akiba walking stick camera, fakes and replicas of such cameras do exist. This camera is in very fine original condition, with one film spool and original cane Estimate: EUR 18,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 17,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33433) Title: Lehmann Ben Akiba Walking Stick Camera
Description:
Extremely rare 'spy' camera in perfect original condition, nickel plated brass body with matching lens. Emil Kronke patented his cane handle camera in Britain (1902), Germany (1903) and the United States (1904). It was manufactured by A. Lehmann of Berlin and marketed as the Ben Akiba walking stick camera, fakes and replicas of such cameras do exist. This camera is in very fine 100% original and authentic condition, with film spools and the original cane! Ex Dannenberg collection. Estimate: EUR 18,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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