Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Ruby Reflex
The Thornton-Pickard Ruby Reflex is a British-made single-lens reflex plate camera from the early twentieth century, produced by Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Co. of Altrincham. It was a wooden-bodied, leather-covered reflex built for glass plates, aimed at serious amateur and professional users of its era.
At UK auction in recent years, hammer prices for the Ruby Reflex have been modest, with the two recorded sales in 2024 falling between £38 and £69 (median around £54). As of 2026 the model remains a low-value collectable at saleroom level, and what a Ruby Reflex is worth today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, completeness of the reflex mirror and shutter, and whether an original lens is fitted.
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 | |
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| Jul 2025 | £6 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 215) Title: A Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex Camera Body
Description:
black, body F-G, focal plane shutter needs attention, bellows appears G, lens not fitted. Notes; SKA0505 |
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| Aug 2024 | £38 | Chiswick Auctions | |
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Auction: Photographica Timed Online (Lot 1010) Title: A Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex Quarter Plate SLR Camera
Description:
A Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex Quarter Plate SLR Camera Body: F/G Shutter: Requires attention Lens: War ministry 14" f/5.6 lens (421905) Optics: F (Qty: 1) ... read more |
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| Jan 2024 | £69 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 322) Title: A Thronton Pickard Ruby Reflex Large Format SLR Camera
Description:
black, body G-VG, shutter curtains present, mirror will not lower, with Cooke Anastigmat 5¾" f/4.5 lens, optics F, some haze present, together with a (Qty: 1) |
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| Sep 2023 | £50 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 121) Title: A Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex Large Format SLR Camera
Description:
black, with J. Dallmeyer No.2 Ser IV Carfac 150mm f/6.3 lens, body F, shutter not working, some damage to the rear rotating back holder, with Sands (Qty: 1) |
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