Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Snappa
The Thornton-Pickard Snappa is an early British plate camera from the Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Co., a Manchester-area maker active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It belongs to the compact hand-camera category that emerged as an alternative to larger field and studio cameras of the period.
Auction data for the Snappa is extremely thin: a single UK saleroom hammer result of £293 from November 2002 is the only reference point available, so any current value or price guidance for what a Snappa is worth today in 2026 should be treated as indicative rather than a firm market range. Because this is a wholesale auction-hammer figure rather than a retail asking price, dealer stock would typically sell for more, and a fresh result could move the needle significantly in either direction. Condition, completeness of the original fittings, and provenance are likely to be the dominant factors in what any given example sells for.
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: November 2002
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2002 | £293 | Christie's | |
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Auction: PHOTOGRAPHS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 488) Title: Snappa camera
Description:
Snappa camera Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Thornton-Pickard Snappa worth today?
The only recorded UK auction hammer price in our data is £293 from 2002, so current value is uncertain and a fresh sale could land materially above or below that figure depending on condition.
How much does a Thornton-Pickard Snappa sell for at auction?
With just one reference sale at £293 hammer, there is not enough data to quote a reliable range; buyers should treat any single figure as a rough benchmark rather than a market price.
Is the Thornton-Pickard Snappa a collectable camera?
It is an early British plate camera from a recognised Manchester-area maker, which gives it interest to collectors of pre-war UK photographic equipment, though thin sales data makes demand hard to quantify.