Houghton ensign popular reflex Analogue camera

For sale: Ensign Popular Reflex, an English box camera produced by Houghton Ltd, London, between 1910 and 1930, a historic piece of great interest to collectors of antique cameras and enthusiasts of British photography history. The camera body presents in a cubic shape typical of vintage box cameras, fully clad in black grain leather with metal corners and reinforcements, while on the front the lens mounted on a gold-tone ring is clearly visible, showing signs of oxidation typical of the piece's advanced age.


On the lower front part there is a black metal plaque with the inscription "ensign popular reflex - british made - houghtons london" which confirms the London origin and the authenticity of the device, a fundamental element for cataloging on Catawiki and to certify the provenance of the piece. The back of the camera appears in good condition according to the attached technical sheet, while on the top the mechanisms for opening and closing the cover to access the film chamber are visible, in addition to an original leather handle for transport.


According to the features listed in the attached documentation, the camera body is in good condition with the leather covering in good condition, while the shutter is non-functional and the lens appears discreet with the normal patina of age, aspects to consider but compatible with the device’s hundred-year-old age. Overall, the condition is nevertheless excellent for collectors seeking complete and well-preserved English box cameras aesthetically, even if not operational, ideal as display pieces or for collections dedicated to early 20th-century British photography. This exemplar represents an authentic example of Houghton’s London production and constitutes an interesting piece for those wishing to own an antique box camera with full documentation.