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Sanderson Field Camera

The Sanderson Field Camera is a British-made wooden folding plate camera, a type of large-format field camera designed for use on a tripod with sheet film or plate holders. Sandersons were produced over a long period from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century and were positioned as a practical hand-and-stand field instrument for serious amateur and professional landscape and architectural work.

At UK auction the Sanderson Field Camera has fetched hammer prices ranging from around £110 to £350, with results highly dependent on size, age, and the condition of the bellows and woodwork. These figures are saleroom hammer results — wholesale levels rather than retail asking prices — and in today's market a clean, complete example with intact bellows and original lens tends to sell for more than a stripped or damaged body.

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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 2019

Date Price Source
Aug 2019 £110 Harper Field Auctions
Jun 2007 £1,440 Christie's
Nov 2005 £96 Christie's
Sep 2004 £262 Christie's
May 2003 £164 Christie's
Mar 2003 £188 Christie's
Dec 2002 £352 Christie's
Dec 2002 £411 Christie's
Sep 2002 £152 Christie's
Jul 2001 £258 Christie's
Jul 2001 £376 Christie's
Jan 1999 £172 Christie's
Oct 1998 £437 Christie's
Aug 1998 £184 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Sanderson Field Camera worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer results sit between roughly £110 and £350, with the value of any given example driven mainly by completeness, bellows condition, and whether a usable period lens is included.

How much does a Sanderson Field Camera sell for at auction?

At UK saleroom level the price typically falls in the low-to-mid hundreds of pounds; a tatty body sells for around £110 while a clean, complete outfit has reached around £350 at hammer.

What affects the value of a Sanderson Field Camera?

Bellows integrity, condition of the mahogany and brass fittings, presence of plate holders and a matching period lens, and overall completeness are the main factors that move the price up or down.

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