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Cameras/Value of Tikka watch camera

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Expert: - 6/10/2006


Question
Hi David, I was given a Tikka watch camera 20+ years ago.
It came complete with the case, instructions and price list for film etc.
The camera is in used but not damaged condition but the cartridge is missing. the case and other bits are well worn and somewhat damaged.
Is any of it worth anything?

Answer
Hello Jeff,

I apologize for the delay in answering, but it's not my fault!  I duly informed AllExperts that I would be on vacation for ten days, yet they forgot to disable my account!  I just happened to gain access to a computer this afternoon (I'm in Anaheim, visitng Disneyland, with the family!), mostly to catch up on e-mail, and discovered you had left a question for me!  So no further delays, although I'm still on vacation, here's an answer for you...

The Ticka is a classic disguised miniature camera from the early part of the 20th century.  It was made by Houghton of England from 1905 to 1914, and is actually a copy of the original American version, which was known as the Expo.  There was an entire little genre of "pocket watch" cameras from that period, but the Expo/Ticka was probably the best known.  Although not uncommon (possibly 50,000 were produced in the first couple of years), truly excellent examples of the Ticka can sell for up to $400 in the collectible camera market.  Worn yet complete examples are readily available in the $150 to $225 range.  A decent example in the case/box with instructions should fall somewhere in between.  If the Ticka is VERY worn, hard to say, it may fall into the $50 to $100 "spare parts" category.

Best wishes,

David Silver

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David Silver

Expertise

I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.

Experience

I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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