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Thornton-pickardmfg. Co. Ruby

The Thornton-Pickard Ruby is a British-made plate camera from the early decades of the 20th century, produced by the Manchester firm Thornton-Pickard Manufacturing Co. It is a wooden-bodied folding field camera in the traditional English style, aimed at serious amateur and professional plate photographers of its era.

At UK auction today, hammer prices for the Thornton-Pickard Ruby have ranged from roughly £180 to £360, with the limited data suggesting a mid-point around £270 at saleroom level. Because these are wholesale auction results rather than retail asking prices, what a Ruby is worth in a dealer's cabinet will typically sit above this band, and condition of the bellows, shutter and woodwork drives most of the variance in what each example sells for.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
Ruby Anastigmat f/6.8 (1910) — — 0 —
Ruby Anastigmat Series 11 — — 0 —
TPI002 type (1900) — — 0 —
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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 2025

Date Price Source Variant
Jun 2025 £188 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
Oct 2024 £151 🇬🇧 Chiswick Auctions —
Jan 2023 £162 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
Apr 2021 £360 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions —
Feb 2005 £168 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Nov 2004 £203 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Feb 2004 £262 🇬🇧 Christie's —
May 2003 £211 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Dec 2002 £211 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 2001 £164 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 2001 £164 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Nov 2000 £329 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 2000 £176 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jul 1999 £103 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Feb 1999 £103 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jun 1998 £172 🇬🇧 Christie's —
Jan 1998 £149 🇬🇧 Christie's —

Frequently asked questions

What is a Thornton-Pickard Ruby worth today?

Based on recent UK auction hammer results, a Thornton-Pickard Ruby is worth in the region of £180 to £360, depending on completeness and the condition of the bellows and shutter.

How much does a Thornton-Pickard Ruby sell for at auction?

Recorded UK auction sales show the Ruby selling for £176 in 2000 and £360 in 2021, giving a working price guide of roughly £180–£360 at hammer.

What affects the value of a Thornton-Pickard Ruby?

Bellows integrity, shutter function, the presence of the original lens and plate holders, and the overall cosmetic state of the mahogany and brass are the main factors that determine price.

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