Premierinstrumentco. Kardon (Military)
The Premier Instrument Co. Kardon (Military) is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in the United States during the 1940s, built to a Leica-derived screw-mount pattern. The military variant was supplied to US armed forces and is distinguished from the civilian version by its specific markings and finish.
Auction data for the Kardon (Military) is thin: a single recorded UK saleroom hammer result from April 2021 closed at £930. With only one data point at auction-hammer level (wholesale, before commission), today's worth should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market price, and condition, completeness of accessories and originality of military markings will heavily influence what an example sells for.
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: January 2024
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| Jan 2024 | USD 1,000 | £787 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2024 Results (Lot 91) Title: Premier Instruments Kardon Military camera set with 47mm Kodak Ektar f2
Description:
Premier Instruments Kardon Military camera set with 47mm Kodak Ektar f2 |
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| Jan 2023 | USD 1,400 | £1,147 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | |
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Auction: 2023 Auction Results (Lot 26) Title: Premier Instruments Kardon Military camera set Nr. 634
Description:
Premier Instruments Kardon Military camera set Nr. 634 |
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| Nov 2021 | £1,240 | £1,000 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 129) Title: A Premier Instruments Kardon Military Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1949, chrome, serial no. 1212, with Kodak Ektar f/2 47mm lens, chrome, serial no. RM236, body, G-VG, shutter working, lens, VG, some light internal |
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| Apr 2021 | £930 | £750 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 123) Title: A Premier Instruments Kardon Military Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1949, chrome, serial no. 1417, with Kodak Ektar f/2 47mm lens, chrome, serial no. RC603, body, G-VG, shutter working, lens, VG-E, with maker's cap |
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| Nov 2020 | £992 | £800 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 228) Title: A Premier Instruments Kardon Military Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1945, chrome, serial no. 553, with Kodak Ektar f/2 47mm lens, chrome, serial no. EO20975, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some light cleaning |
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| Apr 2019 | £936 | £780 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 227) Title: A Premier Instruments Military Kardon Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1954, chrome, serial no. 1188, with Kodak Ektar f/2 47mm lens, chrome, serial no. RM233, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, some very light |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Premier Kardon (Military) worth today?
Based on the single UK auction-hammer result on file (£930 in 2021), value sits in the high-three-figure range, though one sale is not enough to fix a reliable price and condition will swing the figure materially.
How much does a Kardon (Military) sell for at auction?
The only recorded UK hammer price in our data is £930; without further sales it is not possible to quote a median or range with confidence.
Why does the military Kardon command a price premium?
Military-issued examples were produced in limited numbers for US forces, and collector demand for verifiable military-marked bodies tends to support higher prices than equivalent civilian Kardons.