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Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Imperial Triple Extension

The Thornton-Pickard Imperial Triple Extension is a British-made wooden plate field camera, notable for bellows that extend to roughly three times the normal focal length to allow close-focus and long-lens work. Produced by the Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Company, it was positioned as a serious amateur and professional view camera in the large-format era.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Imperial Triple Extension have ranged from about £50 to £190, with most clean examples in the last few years selling between £80 and £110. Across the full sales record shown here the range widens to roughly £50–£200, with a median near £170 when older Christie's results are included; today the camera sits toward the lower end of that band, and condition of the bellows, wood and brass fittings is what separates a £50 parts lot from a £190 complete outfit. Buyers researching what one is worth should note these are saleroom wholesale levels rather than retail asking prices.

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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
Jan 2026 £100 Special Auction Services
Nov 2025 £80 Special Auction Services
Aug 2025 £94 Flints Auctions
Jun 2024 £110 Special Auction Services
Apr 2024 £80 Special Auction Services
Feb 2024 £50 Harper Field Auctions
Jan 2024 £138 Flints Auctions
Jun 2023 £300 Flints Auctions
Apr 2023 £190 Special Auction Services
Apr 2022 £100 David Duggleby
Mar 2022 £112 Flints Auctions
Oct 2017 £204 Flints Auctions
Oct 2017 £228 Flints Auctions
Oct 2017 £156 Flints Auctions
Mar 2003 £176 Christie's
Jul 2002 £188 Christie's
Jul 2001 £199 Christie's
Jul 2001 £199 Christie's
Jul 2001 £199 Christie's
Jul 2001 £141 Christie's
Jan 2001 £141 Christie's
Jul 2000 £258 Christie's
May 2000 £305 Christie's
Jan 2000 £276 Christie's
Mar 1999 £172 Christie's
Feb 1999 £218 Christie's
Nov 1998 £138 Christie's
Aug 1998 £126 Christie's

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