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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 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.

Based on 10 recorded sales.

Most recent sale: October 2024.

Date Price Value GBP Source
Oct 2024 £200 £160 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Jan 2024 £175 £140 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
Feb 2022 £288 £230 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions
May 2007 EUR 1,300 £886 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction
May 2007 £60 £60 🇬🇧 Bonhams
Feb 2004 £155 £130 🇬🇧 Christie's
Feb 2004 £143 £120 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jul 2000 £105 £89 🇬🇧 Christie's
Mar 1999 £218 £190 🇬🇧 Christie's
Jun 1998 £103 £90 🇬🇧 Christie's
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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.

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