Williamson Pistol Camera (Aerial)
The Williamson Pistol Camera is an aerial camera built in a pistol-grip form for handheld use, associated with mid-twentieth-century military and reconnaissance photography. It is a specialist piece rather than a general-purpose stills camera, and today it is encountered mainly as a collector's item.
Sales data for this model is extremely thin: a single UK auction hammer result of £1,200 in November 2023 is the only reference point on file as of today. With just one wholesale saleroom comparable, the Williamson Pistol Camera's value is hard to pin down, and what it sells for next will depend heavily on completeness, condition and provenance rather than a settled price band.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Dec 2024 | £312 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 171) Title: A Williamson Pistol Aircraft Camera
Description:
black, takes 2½x3½ inch plates, body G, paint finish intact, controls operate correctly, shutter needs attention, fires on both the pull and release |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 1,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot A00282) Title: Williamson Mfg. Pistol Camera
Description:
A very rare 6x9cm camera with pistol grip, Ross Xpress 4.5/5" no.123923 in Gammax no.2 shutter, Rollex Rollfilm back, in excellent original condition. Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Mar 2003 | £235 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 404) Title: Pistol camera no. 69
Description:
Pistol camera no. 69 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jul 2001 | £211 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 225) Title: Pistol camera no. 115
Description:
Pistol camera no. 115 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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