Scovill Hand Camera
The Scovill Hand Camera is a 19th-century plate camera produced by the American photographic supplier Scovill. It is a wood-and-brass hand camera from the early era of dry-plate photography, sold as a portable alternative to the larger studio and field cameras of its day.
With only a single recorded UK auction result, the Scovill Hand Camera has a very thin price history at saleroom level: a hammer figure of £191 at Christie's in 2004. As of 2026, that lone reference is the only firm guide to what the model sells for, and today's value will depend heavily on completeness, condition and provenance rather than any established market median. Buyers asking what a Scovill Hand Camera is worth should treat the £191 hammer (wholesale, before commission) as a single data point rather than a settled price.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2004 | £191 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MAGIC LANTERNS (Lot 249) Title: Hand camera
Description:
Hand camera Estimate: £150 - £250 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Scovill Hand Camera worth today?
Auction evidence is sparse: the only recorded UK hammer price is £191 at Christie's in 2004, so current value is best judged case-by-case on condition and completeness rather than a firm market median.
How much does a Scovill Hand Camera sell for at auction?
The single documented UK auction sale realised £191 at hammer, excluding buyer's premium, which remains the only concrete price reference for this model.
Why is the price history for this camera so limited?
Scovill hand cameras from the 19th century appear only occasionally in UK salerooms, so the public sales record is thin and individual results carry more weight than any average.