Suter Detective magazine camera
The Suter Detective magazine camera is an early box-form plate camera from the Swiss maker E. Suter of Basel, built in the late 19th century. So-called detective cameras of this period were designed to be used discreetly at waist or chest level, and the magazine version held multiple dry plates that could be advanced internally between exposures.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Suter Detective magazine camera have sat in the £360–£380 range, with a median around £370 across the limited results on record. These are saleroom wholesale levels rather than dealer retail, and as of 2026 values for early wooden detective cameras remain highly condition-sensitive — intact magazines, working shutters and clean woodwork drive what an example 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.
Prices updated: May 2012
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| May 2012 | EUR 3,000 | £2,411 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_13712) Title: Suter Detective Magazine Camera
Description:
9x12cm, rare version with polished walnut wooden body, magazine for 20 exposures (14 plates included), maker's plaque 'OPTISCHE ANSTALT E.SUTER BASEL', dealer's sign 'R.LECHNER WIEN Graben 31' Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| May 2012 | EUR 380 | £305 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_13713) Title: Suter Detective Magazine Camera
Description:
9x12cm, leather covered wooden body, magazine for 20 exposures (3 plates included), E.Suter Basel lens 1:12 in rotating-disk shutter no.17799, original cap and case Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 420 | £360 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11556) Title: Suter Detectiv Magazin Kamera
Description:
9x12cm, leather-covered wooden body, magazine for 20 exposures, Suter lens 1:12 in rotating-disk shutter, cap, maker's sign: 'Manufacture d'Optique E.SUTER Bâle' Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| May 2006 | EUR 360 | £246 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 9 (Lot AI_9_27117) Title: Suter Detective Magazine camera
Description:
9x12cm, leather-covered wooden body, magazine for 20 exposures, Suter lens 1:12 in rotating-disk shutter, cap, maker's sign: 'OPTISCHE ANSTALT E.SUTER BASEL', dealer's sign: 'R.LECHNER (W.MÜLLER) WIEN' Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Suter Detective magazine camera worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, examples have sold in the £360–£380 band, giving a working value guide of roughly £370 for a complete, presentable camera.
How much does a Suter Detective magazine camera sell for at auction?
The two recorded UK auction sales achieved £360 and £380 at the hammer, before buyer's premium, indicating a fairly narrow price range for the model.
What affects the price of a Suter Detective camera?
Condition of the wooden body, completeness of the plate magazine, and a functioning original shutter are the main factors that affect value at auction.