Early Folding Pocket Kodak (1897 first series) value estimate?

[Woodoo82]

Hello everyone,

I’d like to ask for an approximate value estimate for a camera from my collection.

It is a first-series Folding Pocket Kodak, serial number within the 101–5101 range, which according to Brian Coe (Kodak Cameras: The First Hundred Years) places production between August–December 1897.

According to Red Bellows, this model is listed as Scarce.

Condition

• fully functional
• original case included
• no missing parts
• good cosmetic condition (see photos)

I would appreciate opinions from collectors familiar with early Kodak folding cameras regarding:

• approximate collector value
• rarity within this serial range
• desirability compared to later Folding Pocket Kodak variants

Thank you in advance for your expertise!

—
Hungary

 

[mwdake]

If you haven’t already seen it here’s the Collectblend page on it.

Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.1 Original Price Guide: estimate a camera value

Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.1 Original - 1897-1898. 105 film camera. Has four holes on the front plate, two of them are used for viewfinders. Somewhat rare.

collectiblend.com

I don’t know how accurate their estimates are and the sales price examples are pretty old.

 

[Woodoo82]

If you haven’t already seen it here’s the Collectblend page on it.

Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.1 Original Price Guide: estimate a camera value

Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket No.1 Original - 1897-1898. 105 film camera. Has four holes on the front plate, two of them are used for viewfinders. Somewhat rare.

collectiblend.com

I don’t know how accurate their estimates are and the sales price examples are pretty old.

I know this site. The one you linked to is the successor to the photographer. This is the original:

Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket Price Guide: estimate a camera value

Kodak Eastman: Folding Pocket - 1897-1905. 105 film camera. After 1899 was renamed No. 1. See No. 1 Original camera description.

collectiblend.com

 

[loccdor]

That's a rare camera and there really isn't a lot of information on it. I think there could be a lot of variance but that you could get at least $300-$500 from the right buyer.

Just for fun, the original $10 it sold for is now almost $400. So I suppose it held its value well!

 

[Woodoo82]

I think it's worth a lot more than that. Of course, the market always determines the value. I've been watching eBay and various auctions for years and they've never advertised a camera like this. I think there are very few copies left.

 

[koraks]

Yours looks in very good shape, too.

I wonder if perhaps you'd get a decent valuation if you approached an antiques dealer. Preferably one specializing in photographic items, of course.

 

[loccdor]

Yeah, I think with items so uncommon the price can be pretty unpredictable. Maybe you could contact the Kodak museum.