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.
Prices updated: December 2024
| 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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| Dec 2010 | EUR 220 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11647) Title: Williamson Pistol Camera
Description:
6x9cm aircraft camera with pistol grip, Ross Xpress 4.5/5" no.123923 in Gammax no.2 shutter, Rollex Rollfilm back, in very good original condition Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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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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Frequently asked questions
What is a Williamson Pistol Camera (Aerial) worth today?
On the limited evidence available, one UK auction hammer sale recorded £1,200 in late 2023; with only one data point, that figure is indicative rather than a reliable market price.
How much does a Williamson Pistol Camera sell for at auction?
The only logged UK auction result is £1,200, so the realistic price for a comparable example is in that region, though condition, completeness and bidder interest on the day can move the result significantly in either direction.
Is the Williamson Pistol Camera a good collector's piece?
It is a niche aerial collectible rather than a user camera, so its value is driven by rarity and historical interest; buyers should prioritise originality and documentation over cosmetic condition.