Photo-opera Piccolo
The Photo-opera Piccolo is a sub-miniature still camera, a category of small-format optical instruments produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for discreet use. Public information about this specific model is limited, so the description here is intentionally restricted to what can be verified.
Auction data for the Piccolo is extremely thin: a single hammer result from Christie's in November 2001 saw an example sell for £82 at saleroom level (wholesale, before commission). With only one verified UK auction sale on record, there is no meaningful range or median to quote in 2026, and what the Piccolo is worth today will depend heavily on condition, completeness and bidder interest on the day.
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 2001 | £82 | Christie's | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 522) Title: Piccolo camera
Description:
Piccolo camera Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jul 2001 | £564 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 223) Title: Piccolo no. 155
Description:
Piccolo no. 155 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Photo-opera Piccolo worth at UK auction?
The only verified UK auction sale on file is a Christie's hammer price of £82 in November 2001; with just one data point there is no reliable current market price, and value today depends on condition and buyer interest.
How much does a Photo-opera Piccolo sell for today?
There are no recent sales in our records to cite a current price, so we cannot quote a reliable 2026 figure beyond noting that the sole historical auction result was £82 hammer.
Is the Photo-opera Piccolo a rare camera?
It appears infrequently at auction — only one verified UK saleroom result is on file — which suggests scarcity, though low turnover can also reflect limited collector demand rather than absolute rarity.