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

Woodoo82

Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2025
Messages
6
Location
Hungary
Format
Medium Format
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
 

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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
  • Deleted
  • Reason: wrong
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
Yeah, I think with items so uncommon the price can be pretty unpredictable. Maybe you could contact the Kodak museum.
 
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