Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. College
The Thornton-Pickard College is a British-made plate camera from the early twentieth century, produced by the Manchester firm Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Co. It was a budget-tier wooden-bodied plate camera aimed at students and amateur photographers when new.
Recorded UK auction activity for the College is thin, with a hammer price of £80 from 2024 representing the only documented saleroom result. At that wholesale auction level the camera sells for a modest sum, and as of today values are likely to remain in double figures unless an exceptional, complete example with original accessories appears.
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: April 2024
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2024 | £80 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 27) Title: A Thornton Pickard College Quarter Plate Mahogany & Brass Camera
Description:
A Thornton Pickard College Quarter Plate Mahogany & Brass Camera, body G, solder repair to back focusing wheel, bellows P. with f/8 lens, in Thornton |
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| Oct 2017 | £144 | £120 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 281) Title: A 'Thornton-Pickard College' Half Plate Mahogany Field Camera
Description:
1912-1936, with Aldis Anastigmat No.7 f/7.7 brass lens, in shutter, body, G, lens, G, some light internal fungus, shutter not working; No markings |
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| Feb 2004 | £167 | £140 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MAGIC LANTERNS (Lot 171) Title: College field camera
Description:
College field camera Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Thornton-Pickard College camera worth today?
Based on the single recorded UK auction hammer result, a College sold for £80 in 2024, so current value sits around that level for a complete working example.
How much does a Thornton-Pickard College sell for at auction?
Documented hammer prices are limited to one sale at £80, and with so few data points the realistic price range cannot be defined more precisely.
Is the Thornton-Pickard College a good user camera?
It is a wooden plate camera of considerable age, so usability depends on the condition of the bellows, shutter and availability of plate holders rather than on the model itself.