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Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Aerial Camera

The Thornton-Pickard Mfg. Co. Aerial Camera is a British-made plate camera built for aerial photography, dating from the early twentieth century when Thornton-Pickard supplied military and reconnaissance equipment. It is a specialist large-format apparatus rather than a general-purpose hand camera, and survives today primarily as a collector and museum piece.

Auction evidence for this model is thin: only two UK saleroom hammer results are on file, at £258 (2001) and £1,610 (1999), giving a recorded range of roughly £260–£1,600 with a midpoint near £930. Because these are historic hammer prices from Christie's — wholesale levels excluding commission — today's value depends heavily on completeness, originality and provenance, and any current sale would need fresh comparables to price with confidence.

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
Jul 2001 £258 Christie's
Oct 1999 £1,610 Christie's