Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Rubyette No.1
The Thornton-Pickard Rubyette No.1 is a British-made plate camera from the early 20th century, produced by the Manchester-based Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Co. It was positioned within the firm's range of compact folding plate cameras intended for amateur and field use.
Public auction data for the Rubyette No.1 is extremely thin: the only recorded UK saleroom result we have is a single hammer price of £376 at Christie's in 2002, so any sense of what one is worth today must be drawn from that lone data point. With no recent comparables, the price a clean example sells for in the current market is difficult to establish with confidence, and condition, completeness of the original case and plate holders, and shutter function would all materially affect value.
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: December 2002
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2002 | £376 | £320 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: THE BRITISH CAMERA 1840-1960 THE JIM BARRON COLLECTION (Lot 86) Title: Rubyette No. 1 reflex camera
Description:
Rubyette No. 1 reflex camera Estimate: £60 - £90 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Thornton-Pickard Rubyette No.1 worth today?
Auction evidence is very limited, but the one recorded UK hammer result stands at £376 (Christie's, 2002); current value will depend heavily on condition and completeness.
How much does a Rubyette No.1 sell for at auction?
With only a single verified UK auction hammer price on record (£376), it is not possible to quote a reliable current price range — buyers should treat each example on its individual merits.
What should I check before buying one?
Look closely at the bellows, shutter operation, woodwork, leather covering, and the presence of original plate holders, as these factors drive the price clean examples achieve.