Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Patent Tourist
The Thornton-Pickard Patent Tourist is a British-made plate camera from the early field/folding era of large-format photography. It was offered as a portable wooden-bodied instrument aimed at touring and outdoor photographers when new.
Evidence on what a Patent Tourist sells for is thin: a single UK saleroom record from October 2017 shows a hammer price of £180, which is the only data point available for current value benchmarking in 2026. With just one auction result on file, any worth estimate is indicative rather than a reliable median, and condition, completeness of original fittings, and the presence of a working shutter and lens will move prices significantly either side of that figure.
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: October 2017
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2017 | £180 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 312) Title: A Thornton-Pickard Patent Tourist Half Plate Mahogany Field Camera
Description:
1888-1891, revolving back, with Ross Rapid Symmetrical f/8 8x5" lens, brass, serial no. 54649, body, G-VG, some light deterioration to bellows, lens, |
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| Oct 2017 | £156 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 286) Title: A Thornton-Pickard Patent 'Tourist' Half Plate Mahogany Camera
Description:
with double rotating lens mount, 1887, body, F-G, baseboard and front supports not original; Marked to side "Thornton's Patent 'Tourist' Camera, The |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Thornton-Pickard Patent Tourist worth today?
On the limited evidence available, one UK auction hammer result sits at £180, so that figure is the best current reference point for value, though a single sale is not a robust median.
How much does a Patent Tourist sell for at auction?
The only recorded UK saleroom price in our data is £180 in 2017; clean, complete examples with a working lens and shutter could reasonably command more, while incomplete or damaged bodies would sell for less.
Is the Thornton-Pickard Patent Tourist a good buy as a user camera?
It is primarily of interest to collectors and large-format enthusiasts willing to deal with age-related issues; anyone wanting a working plate camera should budget for bellows, shutter and lens checks before paying near the £180 price level.