Nettel Kamerawerk Argus (Spy Camera)
The Nettel Kamerawerk Argus is a German-made detective or spy camera, built by Nettel Kamerawerk in the early twentieth century before the firm merged into Contessa-Nettel. Cameras of this style were designed to be discreet, often disguised or compact for covert use, and they appeal today primarily to specialist collectors of early concealed-camera designs.
Sales data for the Nettel Argus is extremely thin: a single recorded UK auction hammer result of £900 in December 2009 is the only reference point available, so any current value estimate carries significant uncertainty. With just one data point at saleroom level, the price an example sells for today depends heavily on completeness, cosmetic condition and provenance, and a fresh appearance could move the figure materially in either direction. As of 2026, treat that £900 hammer as a historic indicator rather than a reliable guide to what the camera is worth now.
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: February 2019
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Feb 2019 | £220 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 426) Title: Nettel Argus spy camera with deceptive 90 degree lens and viewfinder, marked Argus Nettel Camerawerk
Description:
Nettel Argus spy camera with deceptive 90 degree lens and viewfinder, marked Argus Nettel Camerawerk |
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| Dec 2009 | EUR 900 | £810 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19483) Title: Nettel Camerawerk Argus
Description:
4.5x6cm, early version of the rare monocular spy camera from Nettel Camerawerk Sontheim A/N, Nettel Anastigmat 5.8/50mm, simple shutter, in good original condition, 9 platefilm holders, original tripod screw and leather case Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Nov 2005 | EUR 1,650 | £1,121 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 8 (Lot AI_8_25775) Title: Nettel Argus
Description:
4.5x6cm, early version of the rare monocular spy camera from Nettel Camerawerk Sontheim, Tessar 4.5/5cm no.126157, simple shutter, very good original condition, 5 film cassettes Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Nettel Kamerawerk Argus worth today?
Auction evidence is limited to a single UK hammer result of £900 from 2009, so while that figure is the only documented price, the true current value of a comparable example is uncertain without further sales.
How much does a Nettel Argus sell for at auction?
The one recorded UK auction sale realised £900 at hammer, excluding buyer's premium, but with so few data points the price any individual example fetches can vary considerably.
Is the Nettel Argus a rare camera?
Public auction appearances are infrequent, which is consistent with a specialist collector item rather than a commonly traded model.