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Underwood Instanto

The Underwood Instanto is a British-made plate camera from the late Victorian era, produced in Liverpool by E. & T. Underwood. It was sold as a general-purpose field and studio instrument, positioned at the mid-market end of the plate-camera trade of its day.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Underwood Instanto have sat in the £170–£200 range, with a median around £190 based on the limited 2024 sales on record. As of 2026 the model trades as a collector item rather than a user camera, so how much an Instanto sells for today is closely tied to cosmetic condition, the presence of the original lens and plate holders, and the integrity of the bellows.

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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: October 2024

Date Price Source
Oct 2024 £200 Flints Auctions
Jan 2024 £175 Flints Auctions
Feb 2022 £288 Flints Auctions
May 2007 EUR 1,300 Leitz Auction
Feb 2004 £143 Christie's
Feb 2004 £155 Christie's
Jul 2000 £105 Christie's
Mar 1999 £218 Christie's
Jun 1998 £103 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is an Underwood Instanto worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer results place the Instanto at roughly £170–£200, so a clean, complete example is typically worth around that level before buyer's premium.

How much does an Underwood Instanto sell for at auction?

The two logged 2024 UK auction sales were £175 and £200, giving a working price guide in the region of £190 for comparable examples.

What affects the value of an Underwood Instanto?

Value is driven by the condition of the wood, leather and bellows, and by whether the original lens, shutter and plate holders are still with the camera.

Other Underwood cameras