CameraWorth.com

Newman & Guardia Special B

The Newman & Guardia Special B is a British-made plate camera from the early 20th century, produced by the London maker Newman & Guardia. It was sold as a higher-grade hand-and-stand camera aimed at advanced amateur and professional photographers of its era.

At UK saleroom level, hammer prices for the Special B have spanned roughly £82 to £810, reflecting how condition and completeness drive what this model is worth today in 2026. The most recent recorded result, from late 2023, sells for £812, while an earlier 2003 example fetched at auction for just £82, so the price a clean working outfit commands is sensitive to leather condition, shutter function, and the presence of original plate holders.

I have one to sell

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: August 2025

Date Price Source
Aug 2025 £94 Flints Auctions
May 2024 £625 Flints Auctions
Nov 2023 £812 Flints Auctions
Feb 2006 £108 Christie's
Feb 2005 £288 Christie's
Feb 2004 £262 Christie's
Nov 2003 £82 Christie's
Dec 2002 £164 Christie's
Dec 2002 £188 Christie's
Nov 2001 £376 Christie's
Jul 2001 £70 Christie's
Jul 2001 £141 Christie's
Jul 2000 £164 Christie's
Jan 1998 £195 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Newman & Guardia Special B worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, a Special B has sold for between roughly £82 and £810, with the most recent 2023 sale reaching £812 for a desirable example.

How much does a Newman & Guardia Special B sell for at auction?

Recent UK auction history shows a wide price spread, with a clean 2023 example selling for £812 and an earlier 2003 result at £82, so condition and completeness largely determine the value.

What affects the price of a Special B?

Bellows integrity, shutter function, leather condition, and the inclusion of original plate holders and case are the main factors that affect what the camera sells for.

Other Newman & Guardia cameras