Ross Portable Divided Camera
The Ross Portable Divided Camera is an early British wood-and-brass plate camera, made by the London optical firm Ross. As a divided (folding) field camera, it was intended for outdoor plate photography and dates from the late 19th century era of large-format portable equipment.
Sales data for this model is very thin: a single UK auction hammer result is on record, where one example sold for £75 in November 2023. With only one wholesale saleroom data point, any statement about what a Ross Portable Divided Camera is worth today in 2026 should be treated as indicative rather than definitive, and condition, completeness of the lens and plate holders, and originality of the woodwork will heavily influence the price it 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.
Based on 3 recorded sales — indicative only.
Most recent sale: November 2023.
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | £200 | £160 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 261) Title: A Variation of a Ross Portable Divided Twin Lens Camera
Description:
1891, black, unsigned but by Ross London, with a pair of Beck-Steinheil Unofocal Patent Series I No.3 Focus f/6 4¾" lenses, serial no. 13896 & 11802, camera body G, missing rear plate holder locking hardware, guide rails for holder still present, ground glass with single crack to left corner, lens optics VG, some light haze & fungus present, with case marked 'London Stereoscopic Company, damage to lid (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2023 | £212 | £170 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 257) Title: A Ross Portable Dividing Twin Lens Camera
Description:
1890-1900, quarter plate, black, with Ross Zeiss Anastigmat f/8 167mm lenses, serial nos. 2963/2964, body, G-VG, lenses, VG, some light internal fungus Footnote: This lot contains ivory and has been registered in accordance with the Ivory Act (Section 10), Ref.FM4KR14B. Flints Auctions CANNOT ship this item out of the UK. Please arrange your own courier or contact Oxford Pack & Send to see if they can offer shipping. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. |
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| Nov 2023 | £75 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 258) Title: A Ross Portable Divided Twin Lens Camera
Description:
1891, black, with Ross 5x4 Rapid Symmetrical lens, space for Waterhouse stops, body G, some wear to camera covering, missing mirror from viewfinder lid, lens optics VG Footnote: This lot contains ivory and has been registered in accordance with the Ivory Act (Section 10), Ref.5BDV8RME. Flints Auctions CANNOT ship this item out of the UK. Please arrange your own courier or contact Oxford Pack & Send to see if they can offer shipping. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Ross Portable Divided Camera worth?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, one example hammered at £75 in 2023; with only a single data point, this should be treated as a guide price rather than a firm market value.
How much does a Ross Portable Divided Camera sell for at auction?
The only recorded UK saleroom result sits at £75, but realistic prices will vary with condition, completeness, and whether the original Ross lens is present.
Is the Ross Portable Divided Camera a usable camera today?
It is a plate-era field camera and can in principle be used with sheet film adapters, but most buyers acquire it as a display piece or for its value as an early Ross-branded instrument.