Any vintage camera experts about?

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Any vintage camera experts about?

8 posts & 5 voices | Started 1 year ago by sputnik | Latest reply from user-removed

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sputnik - Member

I have been clearing out our loft and discovered an old camera that I bought at a boot sale about 8 years ago.
I can't even remember what I paid for it. I have Googled it and it turns out it is a rather rare thing, only 100 or so made around 1909.
It is a Newman & Guardia Ltd Sibyl De Luxe1909. Looks like this:

It is in its original case and in good working condition, with about six plates for the 'negatives' and a leather holder for these plates.
I want to sell it to help fund an overseas trip. Any idea what it is worth and where I can sell it? I know Ebay is an option, but their fees are a joke!
I live near London, maybe a trip there to specialist antique shop might be worth it? Any help appreciated.

Posted 1 year ago #
Tebbalot - Member

It might be worth trying some of the camera fairs that go on if there are any near you.
They are often collectors of vintage cameras and might be willing to buy it off you.

Posted 1 year ago #
sputnik - Member

Thanks for the idea Tebbalot. I just found a camera fair in two weeks not too far from me. Will go and have a nose around.

Posted 1 year ago #
user-removed - Member

Despite the fess, ebay is still the best bet (IMO) for unusual, rare collectibles.

I sold my grandad's Leicas four years ago - one in particular was worth £4500 just by dint of having black paint . There was also a goodly smattering of exotic lenses and accessories.

Far better to open it up to a worldwide market than limit yourself to a local camera fair. IIRC not one piece of my grandad's collection went to a UK bidder. The Japanese and Americans go wild for this kind of thing....

Posted 1 year ago #
WEJ - Member

I would expect a dealer's margin to be grater than ebay fees. Might be worth trying a specialist dealer, like http://www.peterwalnes.com/

A commission sale from a specialist dealer would probably raise the most money, as long as you don't mind waiting for it to sell. If it is a sought after camera, then Sothebys used to have specialist photographic sales now and again. They would be able to advise you of the potential sale price. Might be worth contacting them, or similar auction house.

Posted 1 year ago #
ski - Member

Just a quick look in my old McKeown's Bible (1993 edition)

The "Neumann" Sibyl range seem to vary from $200-$300 back then, the 4.5x6cm version being worth a bit more $400-$600

Saying that these prices are old, & collectors are a funny lot, so the price could vary quite a bit.

email me if you would like a scan of the page sputnik, might help you work out which version you have.

Posted 1 year ago #
sputnik - Member

I just spoke to a dealer over the phone and he said that Ebay will probably be my best bet due to the amount of exposure ( 'scuse the pun )that it will get on there.
Was a very nice chap, he will be at the fair I was looking at earlier and he will gladly value it for me. His opinion is that any dealer will only pay 50% to 60% of its actual value.
In the mean time I will put it up on Ebay with a reserve of £300 ( thanks to ski and his trusty old bible guide pricing).

Thanks to the SingleTrack World of Knowledge !

Posted 1 year ago #
user-removed - Member

Errr, I'd totally lay off the reserve if I were you (I do know whereof I speak). Reserves only serve to put your listing costs up and will deter bidders. Whatever you get for it is what it's worth. If that makes sense - I mean, it'll find its true value.

Also, as per my previous post, don't forget to open it up to a worldwide market.

Posted 1 year ago #