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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.

Prices updated: January 2026

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
Feb 2022 £140 Harper Field Auctions
Jul 2018 £220 Harper Field Auctions
Oct 2017 £204 Flints Auctions
Oct 2017 £156 Flints Auctions
Oct 2017 £228 Flints Auctions
Mar 2003 £152 Christie's
Mar 2003 £176 Christie's
Jul 2002 £188 Christie's
Jul 2001 £199 Christie's
Jul 2001 £164 Christie's
Jul 2001 £141 Christie's
Jul 2001 £199 Christie's
Jul 2001 £199 Christie's
Jan 2001 £141 Christie's
Aug 2000 £176 Christie's
Jul 2000 £258 Christie's
Jul 2000 £329 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
Sep 1998 £126 Christie's
Aug 1998 £126 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is a Thornton-Pickard Imperial Triple Extension worth today?

In 2026 it typically sells for £80–£110 at UK auction, with exceptional complete examples reaching close to £190 and rough bodies changing hands for as little as £50.

How much does a Thornton-Pickard Imperial Triple Extension sell for at auction?

Recent UK hammer prices have clustered around £80–£95, while the wider historical range across the sales on record runs from £50 up to about £204.

What affects the price and value of this camera the most?

Bellows condition, completeness of plate holders and lens, and the state of the wood and brass fittings drive most of the price variation; a camera with light-tight bellows and its original shutter commands a clear premium.

Is the Imperial Triple Extension still usable?

Yes, provided the bellows are sound and plate holders are present, it can still be used with sheet film adapters, which is part of why clean examples hold value rather than trading as pure decoration.

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