Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas' (Tropical)
The Thornton-Pickard Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas' (Tropical) is an early-20th-century British single-lens reflex plate camera, built in a tropical specification intended for use in hot and humid climates. It sits among the scarcer large-format reflex cameras from the Altrincham-based maker and is of interest primarily to collectors of British wood-and-brass photographic equipment.
Only two hammer results sit behind this listing, so the price picture is indicative rather than settled: the camera has fetched between roughly £900 and £1,800 at UK auction, with a midpoint around £1,400. These are saleroom wholesale levels rather than dealer retail, and in today's 2026 market condition of the wood, bellows and brassware is the main driver of where an individual Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas' sells for within that band.
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 2019
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2019 | EUR 1,800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37421) Title: Thornton Pickard Duplex Ruby Reflex Tropical
Description:
tropical SLR camera for 3 1/4 x 4 1/4" exposures, polished teak with brass fittings, brown leather bellows and viewing hood, uncommon Ross London Tessar Patent 4.5/6" no.82933, focal plane shutter (accuracy not tested), in very fine condition Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11678) Title: Thornton Pickard Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas'
Description:
6.5x9cm, polished teak with brass fittings, light brown leather bellows, Cooke Aviar Serie II 4.5/6" no.93197, focal plane shutter (needs service), focusing screen adapter, film pack holder, separate lens board, 3x plate film holders, case Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Thornton-Pickard Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas' (Tropical) worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, examples have sold for roughly £900 to £1,800 at hammer, giving an indicative value near £1,400 for a representative example.
How much does a Duplex Ruby Reflex 'Overseas' sell for at auction?
Recorded hammer prices sit between £900 and £1,800, though with only two sales the realised price for any individual camera depends heavily on cosmetic and mechanical condition.
Why is the 'Overseas' (Tropical) version collectable?
Tropical-specification cameras were made in smaller numbers than standard models and used more durable woods and brasswork, which gives them both scarcity value and visual appeal to collectors of British plate cameras.