Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Mark III Hythe Camera (MK III H) (Aerial)
The Thornton-Pickard Mark III Hythe Camera (MK III H) is a British aerial gun camera built in the shape of a Lewis machine gun, used during the First World War to train aircrew in aerial gunnery without live ammunition. Pulling the trigger exposed a frame of film, allowing instructors to assess a trainee's aim against enemy aircraft.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the Mark III Hythe have ranged widely — from £120 at saleroom level in 2000 up to about £2,000 in 2021, with a more recent 2022 result around £560. As of today in 2026 the small sample size means what a Mark III Hythe is worth depends heavily on completeness, originality of the wooden stock and metalwork, and provenance, with militaria-grade examples sitting at the upper end of the range.
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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| Apr 2022 | £562 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 151) Title: A Thornton Pickard Hythe Type 3H Aerial Camera
Description:
1915-18, black, complete with lens, body, P-F, shutter firing, lens, G-VG, some internal haze and light fungus Note: Designed and manufactured for |
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| Nov 2021 | £1,984 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 287) Title: A Thornton Pickard Hythe Type III.H Aerial Camera
Description:
1915-18, black, serial no. 4819, body, G, shutter working Note: Designed and manufactured for the Royal Flying Corps and The Allied Aviation Series |
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| Jul 2000 | £117 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 342) Title: Hythe Mk. III camera gun
Description:
Hythe Mk. III camera gun Estimate: £25 - £100 |
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