Gerschel Mosaic
The Gerschel Mosaic is an early stereoscopic plate camera, a French-made apparatus from the late 19th to early 20th century era of multi-image and stereo photography. It was a specialist tool aimed at photographers working with glass plates rather than a general-purpose consumer camera.
Sales data for the Mosaic is extremely limited, with a single recorded UK auction hammer result of £2,000 in 2019 — a wholesale saleroom level rather than a retail asking price. On that basis, today's value sits in the low-thousands range for complete examples, though with only one data point the price a Mosaic sells for can vary widely depending on completeness and condition.
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: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 1,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02710) Title: Gerschel 'Le Mosaic' Multiple Photo Camera
Description:
A very rare Gerschel “Le Mosaic” camera, made in France around 1905–1906. This ingenious design was created to expose multiple small portraits on a single 13×18 cm plate, using interchangeable baffles for 9 or 12 images. The lens is mounted in a Wollensak shutter (in working order), which slides across the front on twin tracks, enabling sequential exposures. In fine condition for its age, this rare mosaic camera represents a fascinating and highly collectable chapter in early photographic ingenuity. |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 1,500 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot A00256) Title: Gerschel 'Le Mosaic' Carte de Visite camera
Description:
Carte de Visite Camera for 9 or 12 exposures on 13x18cm plates, very rare camera with horizontal and vertical sliding lens, unmarked brass lens in pneumatic shutter, reflex finder, in very good condition, with frames for 9 and 12 exposures. Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,400 |
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| Nov 2019 | EUR 2,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 35 (Lot AI_35_37837) Title: Gerschel 'Le Mosaic'
Description:
Carte de Visite Camera for 9 or 12 exposures on 13x18cm plates, very rare camera with horizontal and vertical sliding lens, unmarked brass lens in pneumatic shutter, reflex finder, in very good condition, with inserts for 9 and 12 exposures Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 3,000 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11399) Title: Gerschel 'Le Mosaic'
Description:
Carte de Visite Camera for 12 exposures 4x4cm on plate 13x18cm, very rare camera with horizontal and vertical sliding lens, Bausch&Lomb Rapid Rectilinear lens in pneumatic shutter, reflex finder, in very good condition Estimate: EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Nov 2007 | EUR 3,200 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 12 (Lot AI_12_20456) Title: Gerschel 'Le Mosaic'
Description:
Carte de Visite Camera for 12 exposures 4x4cm on plate 13x18, very rare camera with horizontal and vertical sliding lens, Bausch&Lomb Rapid Rectilinear lens in pneumatic shutter, reflex finder, in very good condition Estimate: EUR 3,500 - EUR 4,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Gerschel Mosaic worth today?
Based on the limited UK auction record available, a Gerschel Mosaic has a hammer value in the region of £2,000, though this reflects a single sale and individual condition will heavily influence the price.
How much does a Gerschel Mosaic sell for at auction?
The one recorded UK auction sale achieved £2,000 at hammer in 2019; with so few data points, a current price guide is indicative only.
Is the Gerschel Mosaic a rare camera?
Yes — examples appear at auction very infrequently, which is why reliable market value data is scarce.