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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.

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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
May 2012 EUR 380 Leitz Auction
May 2012 EUR 3,000 Leitz Auction
May 2010 EUR 420 Leitz Auction
May 2006 EUR 360 Leitz Auction

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.

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