Stirn Vest Camera (6 exposures)
The Stirn Vest Camera (6 exposures) is a 19th-century German concealed detective camera designed to be worn beneath a waistcoat, with the lens protruding through a buttonhole to expose six circular images on a single rotating glass plate. It was introduced in the 1880s as a novelty concealed-camera product aimed at amateur photographers who wanted to take candid pictures discreetly.
Sales history for this model is thin, but the two recorded UK saleroom results both hammered at £800, suggesting a narrow auction band around that figure for complete examples at wholesale level. Today in 2026 the price a Stirn Vest Camera sells for at auction remains heavily dependent on completeness and cosmetic condition, and with only two data points the value should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market median.
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: June 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00952) Title: Stirn Vest Camera No.1
Description:
Rare round metal detective camera for 6 exposures 4x4cm on round glass plates, in used condition and working order, showing some signs of corrosion, film plates holder and some other parts missing. Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2022 | £400 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 256) Title: A Stirn Vest 6 Exposure Camera
Description:
1886-1892, serial no. 6554, body, F, shutter sticking, lens, G-VG, some internal haze, complete with original neck strap |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36910) Title: C.P. Stirn Vest Camera No.1
Description:
round metal detective camera for 6 exposures 4x4cm on round glass plates, rare and in fine original condition, on the front engraved with dealer's name J. Robinson & Sons, London & Dublin Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2018 | £480 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 1246) Title: A Stirn 6 Exposure Vest Camera
Description:
1886-92, brass, serial no. 12626, body, F-G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some light internal fungus, lacking chain and leather band to perimeter |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_30045) Title: C.P Stirn Vest Camera Nr.1
Description:
concealed camera for 6 exposures on one round glass plate, periscope lens, rotary shutter, in good original condition Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2007 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16359) Title: C.P Stirn Vest Camera No.2
Description:
concealed camera for 6 exposures on one round glass plate, periscope lens, rotary shutter, in very good original condition Estimate: EUR 1,800 - EUR 2,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Stirn Vest Camera (6 exposures) worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, hammer prices have sat at around £800, though with only two sales on file this should be read as an indicative value rather than a reliable median.
How much does a Stirn Vest Camera sell for at auction?
Both recorded UK hammer results for the 6-exposure Stirn Vest Camera came in at £800, so that figure is the best current reference price for a comparable example.
What affects the price of a Stirn Vest Camera?
Completeness is the main driver of value: original plates, plate holders, case and intact nickel or brass plating all push the price higher, while missing accessories or damaged bodies pull it down.