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 realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: July 2025
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Jul 2025 | £6 | £5 | 🇬🇧 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 | £30 | 🇬🇧 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 | £55 | 🇬🇧 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 | £40 | 🇬🇧 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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| Nov 2018 | EUR 3,600 | £3,172 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36699) Title: Thornton Pickard Ruby Reflex Tropical
Description:
tropical SLR camera for 9x12cm exposures, polished teak with brass fittings, light brown leather bellows and viewing hood, Tessar 4.5/18cm no.157028, focal plane shutter (needs service), in very good condition Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Nov 2015 | £30 | £30 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | |
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Auction: Express Camera & Music Auction Thursday 19th November 2015 at 10:00 Lots 1-343 Cameras Lots 344-487 Music (Lot 91) Title: Thornton Pickard Ruby Camera
Description:
Thornton Pickard Ruby Camera, reflex model with Beck Bynar lens Estimate: £40 - £60 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Thornton-Pickard Ruby Reflex sell for at UK auction?
Recent UK auction hammer prices have been between £38 and £69, based on two recorded 2024 sales.
What is a Thornton-Pickard Ruby Reflex worth today?
In 2026 the value at auction is typically in the region of £40–£70 for examples in average condition, with price driven mainly by shutter function, mirror condition and the presence of a lens and plate holders.
Is the Ruby Reflex a usable camera?
It is a glass-plate reflex, so practical use requires sourcing plate holders and cut film or plates; most buyers at this price level acquire it as a display or collector piece rather than a working camera.