Wünsche Mars Detective Camera (12x16) (Spy Camera)
The Wünsche Mars Detective Camera is an early German plate camera in the 12x16 format, made in the detective-camera style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cameras of this type were designed to be carried discreetly, which is why surviving examples are often referred to as spy cameras by today's collectors.
Auction evidence for this model is thin, with a single recorded UK saleroom hammer result of £550 in 2020. On that basis a clean, complete example would be expected to be worth a broadly similar sum in 2026, though as a wholesale auction figure the price excludes commission and any retail mark-up a dealer would add. Condition, completeness of the original plate holders, and shutter function drive what each 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: June 2020
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2020 | EUR 550 | Leitz Auction | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38109) Title: Wünsche Mars Detektive camera
Description:
wooden detective camera, uncommon version for 12x16cm plates, in very fine condition, inclusive changing bag and one plate holder Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Wünsche Mars Detective Camera worth today?
Auction data is limited, but a UK hammer result of £550 has been recorded, so a comparable complete example would be expected to sell for a similar price at auction today.
How much does a Wünsche Mars Detective Camera sell for at auction?
The one verified UK auction sale achieved a hammer price of £550, which sets the current reference value for this 12x16 plate model.
Why is it called a spy camera?
Detective cameras of this era were built to be carried inconspicuously, and collectors today often describe them as spy cameras for that reason.