Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Ruby
The Thornton-Pickard Ruby is a British-made plate camera from the early decades of the 20th century, produced by the Manchester firm Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Co. It is a wooden-bodied folding field camera in the traditional English style, aimed at serious amateur and professional plate photographers of its era.
At UK auction today, hammer prices for the Thornton-Pickard Ruby have ranged from roughly £180 to £360, with the limited data suggesting a mid-point around £270 at saleroom level. Because these are wholesale auction results rather than retail asking prices, what a Ruby is worth in a dealer's cabinet will typically sit above this band, and condition of the bellows, shutter and woodwork drives most of the variance in what each example sells for.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Anastigmat f/6.8 (1910) | — | — | 0 | — |
| Ruby Anastigmat Series 11 | — | — | 0 | — |
| TPI002 type (1900) | — | — | 0 | — |
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: June 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | £188 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 374A) Title: A Thornton Pickard Ruby Camera
Description:
serial no. 2594, with Thornton Pickard Beck Symmetrical f/8 brass lens, body, G, lens, G, complete with 'stereo' Thornton Pickard shutter with single |
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| Oct 2024 | £151 | Chiswick Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 76) Title: A Thornton Pickard Quarter Plate Folding Ruby Mahogany & Brass Camera Outfit
Description:
A Thornton Pickard Quarter Plate Folding Ruby Mahogany & Brass Camera Outfit Body: VG Lenses: A Ross London 4" Wide Angle f/4 Xpres Lens (82118) / a ... read more |
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| Jan 2023 | £162 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 551) Title: A Thornton Pickard Folding Ruby 1/4 Plate Hand & Stand Camera
Description:
1908-1920s, chamfered-corner black bellows, double extension, with an Aldis-Plano Anastigmat f/6.8 lens, body G, lens G, ding to rim, with leather |
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| Apr 2021 | £360 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 310) Title: A Thornton Pickard Ruby Whole Plate Mahogany Field Camera
Description:
1899-1908, serial no. 7503F, with Ross Symmetrical Anastigmat g/5.6 7½" lens, brass, serial no. 58380, body, G, shutter working, some later replaced |
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| Feb 2005 | £168 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 236) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £120 - £180 |
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| Nov 2004 | £203 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 292) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Feb 2004 | £262 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MAGIC LANTERNS (Lot 183) Title: RUBY FIELD CAMERA NO. 4265B
Description:
RUBY FIELD CAMERA NO. 4265B Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| May 2003 | £211 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 245) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Dec 2002 | £211 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: THE BRITISH CAMERA 1840-1960 THE JIM BARRON COLLECTION (Lot 89) Title: Folding Ruby hand camera
Description:
Folding Ruby hand camera Estimate: £120 - £180 |
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| Jul 2001 | £164 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 374) Title: Unit Folding Ruby hand camera
Description:
Unit Folding Ruby hand camera Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| Jul 2001 | £164 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 418) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Nov 2000 | £329 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 267) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jul 2000 | £176 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 284) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jul 1999 | £103 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 123) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £25 - £200 |
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| Feb 1999 | £103 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 533) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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| Jun 1998 | £172 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 629) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jan 1998 | £149 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 426) Title: Ruby field camera
Description:
Ruby field camera Estimate: £120 - £180 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Thornton-Pickard Ruby worth today?
Based on recent UK auction hammer results, a Thornton-Pickard Ruby is worth in the region of £180 to £360, depending on completeness and the condition of the bellows and shutter.
How much does a Thornton-Pickard Ruby sell for at auction?
Recorded UK auction sales show the Ruby selling for £176 in 2000 and £360 in 2021, giving a working price guide of roughly £180–£360 at hammer.
What affects the value of a Thornton-Pickard Ruby?
Bellows integrity, shutter function, the presence of the original lens and plate holders, and the overall cosmetic state of the mahogany and brass are the main factors that determine price.