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Shew Patent Eclipse

The Shew Patent Eclipse is a British-made folding plate camera from the late Victorian era, built for dry-plate photography in a compact, collapsible wooden body. When new it was positioned as a portable field camera aimed at travelling and amateur photographers who wanted a lighter alternative to conventional plate cameras.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Shew Patent Eclipse have ranged from around £100 to £320, with the 2024 sale settling at £162 — a reasonable guide to what a presentable example is worth today. Results in this market are condition-sensitive: bellows integrity, completeness of the plate holders and the state of the mahogany and brass fittings drive how much a given camera sells for at saleroom level.

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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.

Date Price Source
Jan 2024 £162 Flints Auctions
Oct 2022 £250 Flints Auctions
Nov 2018 £102 Flints Auctions
Nov 2006 EUR 320 Leitz Auction
Sep 1999 £80 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Shew Patent Eclipse worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer prices sit in the £100–£320 range, with a 2024 result of £162 offering a useful mid-market reference for the value of a complete, presentable example.

How much does a Shew Patent Eclipse sell for at auction?

Hammer prices have spanned roughly £100 to £320 over the available sales record, with the price depending heavily on bellows condition, completeness and the quality of the original fittings.

What should I check before buying one?

Focus on the bellows for light leaks, the folding mechanism for rigidity, and whether original plate holders are included, as these factors most strongly influence the price a buyer should expect to pay.

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